PEG-20 Cocamine
AKA “Polyethylene glycol 20 cocamine, PEG 20 cocamine
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-20 cocamine
AKA: Polyethylene glycol 20 cocamine, PEG 20 cocamine
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Amines, coco alkyl, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61791-14-8
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Synthetic emulsifier created by ethoxylating coconut oil-derived amines in the 20th century. Designed to function as a conditioning and surfactant agent in cosmetics.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR