Cocamide MEA
AKA “Coconut acid monoethanolamide, Coconut oil MEA, N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)coconut oil amide”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Cocamide mea
AKA: Coconut acid monoethanolamide, Coconut oil MEA, N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)coconut oil amide
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Amides, coco, N-(hydroxyethyl)
CAS #
68140-00-1
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Foam Boosting
Viscosity Controlling
Stabilizes Emulsion
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Boosts Lather
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a coconut oil-derived surfactant and foam enhancer. Designed to provide similar cleansing and thickening properties as Cocamide DEA with improved stability in acidic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cocamide MEA
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Cocamide MEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-20 Cocamide MEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Cocamide MEA
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR