• Acts as a foam booster and thickener
• Improves texture and stability in surfactant blends
• Compatible with SLES, SLS, and other anionic surfactants
• Used in shampoos, hand washes, body washes, and liquid soaps
• Easy to blend at room temperature

Cocamide DEA – Foam Booster & Thickener for Shampoos, Soaps & Cleansers

Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine) is a non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and diethanolamine. It is primarily used in personal care formulations to enhance lather, increase viscosity, and provide a smooth texture to cleansing products. Commonly found in commercial shampoos, body washes, and hand soaps, Cocamide DEA is highly effective at stabilizing foam and thickening formulations without altering the cleansing action. Although highly functional, it should be used within regulatory guidelines due to safety considerations in some countries.

INCI Name: Cocamide DEA

CAS Number: 68603-42-9

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Heated water phase

pH Stability: 5.0 – 8.0

Processing Temperature: 45–60°C

Appearance: Amber to golden viscous liquid

Odor: Mild fatty odor

Molecular Formula: RCON(CH₂CH₂OH)₂ (variable chain length)

Molecular Weight: Variable (~280–310 g/mol)

Flash Point: > 200°C

Density: ~1.0 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant

Functional Groups: Amide, hydroxyl

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Shampoo, liquid soap, face washes, bubble baths

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
• Recommended Additions: Used with SLES/SLS for thickening and stabilizing foam
• Storage: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place

To achieve better lather and thickness in your shampoo formulations, combine Cocamide DEA with SLES and a pinch of salt (Sodium Chloride). For sensitive formulations, consider using alternatives like Cocamidopropyl Betaine or PEG-free thickeners.

✔️ Oily

✔️ Normal

✔️ Combination

❌ Not suitable for sensitive skin or baby care without further safety evaluation

1. Thickened Herbal Shampoo

70% SLES Shampoo Base

4% Cocamide DEA

2% Polyquaternium-10

1.5% Fragrance Oil

0.5% Preservative

2% Herbal Extract (Amla, Neem, Aloe Vera)

2. Adjust viscosity with 1% Salt

Foaming Hand Wash

60% Water

10% SLES

5% Cocamide DEA

1% Glycerin

0.5% Essential Oil

0.5% Preservative

0.5% Citric Acid (pH adjust)

Serums
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Applicable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Creams & Lotions
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Face Masks
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Hair Masks
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Applicable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Deodorants
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Conditioners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Body Butters
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Ointments
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜

Q1: Is Cocamide DEA safe for use in cosmetics?

It is allowed in rinse-off products in many regions, but banned in some countries. Always check regulatory compliance before use.

Q2: Can I use Cocamide DEA in sulfate-free shampoos?

No. It works best with SLES or SLS systems and is not suited for sulfate-free formulas.

Q3: Does it help thicken shampoos?

Yes, Cocamide DEA enhances viscosity and makes the formula feel richer.