Cocamide Monoethanolamine (Cocamide MEA) is a non-ionic surfactant produced by reacting fatty acids from coconut oil with ethanolamine. This compound appears as a waxy solid that melts into a pale yellow viscous liquid at room temperature.

Features and Applications

• Foam Booster: Enhances foam volume and stability in cleansing products.
• Viscosity Enhancer: Adjusts the consistency of formulations for ease of use.
• Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations.
• Suitable for Personal Care Products: Shampoos, soaps, body washes, and creams.

Technical Specifications

• Chemical Formula: CH₃(CH₂)₁₄CONHCH₂CH₂OH
• Appearance: Waxy solid, off-white to tan
• Density: 1.08–1.09 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 60–63°C
• Boiling Point: Above 200°C
• Skin Compatibility: Safe for use in cosmetic products at recommended concentrations.

Safety Warnings

May cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Harmful if swallowed. In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If swallowed, seek medical attention. Yeser Chemicals

Packaging and Storage Conditions

• Packaging: 25 kg bags
• Storage: Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Industrial Applications

• Personal Care Industry: Formulation of skincare and haircare products.
• Cleaning Industry: Production of household and industrial cleaning agents.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as an emulsifier in certain drug formulations.

📚 Historical Context & Latest Scientific Findings

Historical Context

In the past, Cocamide MEA was widely used as a replacement for Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine). Cocamide DEA was gradually removed from cosmetic formulations due to safety concerns, including its potential carcinogenicity. As a result, Cocamide MEA was introduced as a safer and reliable alternative in personal care products.

Latest Scientific Findings

• Antioxidant Activity:
  A study published in 2022 demonstrated that Cocamide MEA exhibits antioxidant properties, helping to protect against free radicals.
  Read more on ScienceDirect

• Safety in Use:
  Comprehensive safety assessments indicate that Cocamide MEA is safe for use in rinse-off products and is considered safe up to a 10% concentration in leave-on formulations.
  Read more on Semantic Scholar

• Replacement for Cocamide DEA:
  Research shows that Cocamide MEA can act as a suitable and safer alternative to Cocamide DEA in cosmetic and personal care formulations, maintaining performance while improving safety.