Wheat Germamide DEA
AKA “Wheat Germ Derivative, Conditioning Agent
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Wheat germamide dea
AKA: Wheat Germ Derivative, Conditioning Agent
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Wheat Germamide DEA is a mixture of diethanolamides of Wheat Germ Acid
CAS #
124046-39-5
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foam Boosting
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic cosmetic ingredient derived from wheat germ fatty acids. Created in the late 20th century as a conditioning and thickening agent for hair and skincare products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Gluten / Wheat
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Wheat Germamide DEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Protective effect of conditioning agents on Afro-ethnic hair chemically treated with thioglycolate-based straightening emulsion.
Dias TC, Baby AR, Kaneko TM, Velasco MV
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2008
Protective effect of conditioning agents on Afro-ethnic hair chemically treated with thioglycolate-based straightening emulsion.
Dias TC, Baby AR, Kaneko TM, Velasco MV
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2008
Protective effect of conditioning agents on Afro-ethnic hair chemically treated with thioglycolate-based straightening emulsion.
Dias TC, Baby AR, Kaneko TM, Velasco MV
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2008
Protective effect of conditioning agents on Afro-ethnic hair chemically treated with thioglycolate-based straightening emulsion.
Dias TC, Baby AR, Kaneko TM, Velasco MV
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2008
Protective effect of conditioning agents on Afro-ethnic hair chemically treated with thioglycolate-based straightening emulsion.
Dias TC, Baby AR, Kaneko TM, Velasco MV
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2008
b) As a conditioning agent in rinse-off hair care products, (i.e. benzalkonium chloride with chain lengths ≥ 16 C).
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR