The ingredient, explained

Cocamide Dea

A published expert safety assessment covers this exact ingredient.

EmulsifyingEmulsion stabilisingFoam boostingViscosity controllingSurfactant

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Amides, coco, N,N-bis-hydroxyethyl-

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Emulsifying: Helps liquids that do not normally mix form a mixture.
Emulsion stabilising: Helps keep an emulsion from separating.
Foam boosting: Changes the amount, texture or stability of foam.
Viscosity controlling: Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Surfactant: Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

Panel concluded safe under described use when non-irritating, free DEA limited to levels considered safe for DEA, and N-nitroso compound formation prevented.

What this does not tell us

Group assessment and dated use concentrations. Nitrosamine and free-DEA conditions are essential. No consumer benefit or occupational safety guarantee.

Sources for this summary. Published source ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.