Cocamide Mea

Cocamide MEA is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting coconut fatty acids with monoethanolamine. Shampoos and cleansers use it to boost and stabilize lather, increase viscosity, and aid emulsification for a richer, more controllable wash.
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Snapshot

Overview
A coconut-derived ingredient that boosts and stabilizes lather in cleansers.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Surfactant

Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Not typically evaluated for comedogenicity — no standardized rating available.

Is Cocamide Mea a Good Ingredient?

A dependable foam booster and thickener that improves feel and stability in rinse-off systems, with well-documented performance in hair and body cleansers. Consistent, low-risk performance is enough for Good, though not the strongest tier.

Skin Benefits

Creates denser, creamier foam and improves spread during washing. Supports cleansing performance without a heavy residue.

Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in shampoos, face washes, and body washes to thicken the wash phase and support stable blends.

Safety

Intended for rinse-off use; may cause mild irritation at higher levels or with prolonged contact. Formulators avoid nitrosating agents to minimize nitrosamine formation risk.