PEG-3 Cocamide DEA
AKA “Cocamide DEA, Diethanolamide
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-3 cocamide dea
AKA: Diethanolamide
Surfactant · Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Amides, coco alkyl, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl), ethoxylated (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61791-08-0
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant developed mid-20th century from coconut oil derivatives to provide mild cleansing properties. Created as an alternative to harsher detergents while incorporating the traditional use of coconut oil in skincare.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 772).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by coconut fatty acids diethanolamide.
Aalto-Korte K, Pesonen M, Kuuliala O, Suuronen K
Contact dermatitis, 2014
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by coconut fatty acids diethanolamide.
Aalto-Korte K, Pesonen M, Kuuliala O, Suuronen K
Contact dermatitis, 2014
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by coconut fatty acids diethanolamide.
Aalto-Korte K, Pesonen M, Kuuliala O, Suuronen K
Contact dermatitis, 2014
Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cocamide DEA
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide DEA, and Oleamide DEA
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Diethanolamides as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Cocamide DEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Cornamide/Cocamide DEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-3 Cocamide DEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Cocamide DEA
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Cornamide/Cocamide DEA
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR