What Is Cocamide DEA (Cocamide Diethanolamine)?
Cocamide DEA, the INCI name and trade-standard abbreviation for Cocamide Diethanolamine (CAS 68603-42-9), is a nonionic surfactant produced by the condensation reaction of coconut fatty acids (predominantly C12 lauric acid and C14 myristic acid) with diethanolamine (DEA). The reaction yields a mixture of fatty acid diethanolamide mono- and di-esters, with the amide linkage providing both hydrophilic character through the DEA headgroup and lipophilic character through the fatty acid tail. This amphiphilic structure underpins Cocamide DEA's core functions as a foam booster, foam stabilizer, viscosity builder, and emulsifier.
A frequently asked question in formulation chemistry is: "Is Cocamide DEA amphoteric or nonionic?" - the answer is unambiguous: Cocamide DEA is classified as a nonionic surfactant. It carries no ionizable groups (no permanent positive or negative charge), so it is not anionic, cationic, or amphoteric. Its nonionic character means it is compatible with all other surfactant types and performs stably across a wide pH range - from acidic shampoo formulations (pH 4–6) to alkaline industrial cleaners (pH 9–12).
Cocamide DEA is an amber to light yellow viscous liquid at room temperature, freely soluble in water and in polar organic solvents. It functions synergistically with anionic surfactants such as SLES (AES), LABSA, and AOS, as well as with zwitterionic surfactants like CAPB (cocamidopropyl betaine) - at typical dosages of 1–5%, it substantially increases both viscosity and foam quality in finished formulations. SinoLook Chem manufactures Cocamide DEA from ISO 9001-certified facilities.
Key Performance Advantages of Cocamide DEA
Six functional properties make Cocamide DEA (Cocamide Diethanolamine) one of the most cost-effective and widely adopted co-surfactant additives in household, personal care, and industrial cleaning formulations.
🫧 Foam Boosting & Stabilization
Cocamide DEA significantly increases foam volume, foam density, and foam persistence in surfactant systems. When added to SLES- or LABSA-based formulations at 1–5%, it reinforces the lamellar liquid film around air bubbles, slowing drainage and coalescence. The result is a rich, creamy, long-lasting lather that consumers associate with high-quality cleaning products - shampoos, dishwashing liquids, body wash, and foaming hand soaps.
🧪 Viscosity Building & Thickening
One of Cocamide DEA's most valued properties is its synergistic thickening effect. By interacting with anionic micelles in SLES, LABSA, AES, or AOS systems, it promotes the transition from spherical to rod-like micelles, dramatically increasing viscosity at low dosage. Formulators use it to achieve target viscosity without relying entirely on salt (NaCl) or expensive polymer thickeners - improving formulation economics and reducing electrolyte sensitivity.
🤝 Broad Surfactant Compatibility
As a nonionic surfactant, Cocamide DEA is universally compatible with anionic surfactants (SLES/AES, LABSA, AOS, SDS), zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants (CAPB, betaines), cationic surfactants (CTAC, BTAC), and other nonionic surfactants (APG, AEO, fatty alcohol ethoxylates). This eliminates formulation restrictions - Cocamide DEA can be incorporated into virtually any aqueous surfactant system without precipitation, phase separation, or activity loss.
✨ Improved Wetting & Emulsification
Cocamide DEA reduces surface tension and improves substrate wetting, helping cleaning actives penetrate and disrupt soil deposits. It emulsifies oily soils, greases, mineral deposits, and carbonaceous particles, suspending them in the wash liquor for effective rinsing. This dual wetting-plus-emulsification function is particularly valuable in degreasers, industrial foaming cleaners, car wash liquids, and dishwashing formulations.
🌿 Mildness Enhancement
When blended with harsher primary surfactants such as SLES or LABSA, Cocamide DEA moderates their irritation potential by co-micellization - packaging them into mixed micelles that reduce free monomer concentration and skin contact with aggressive surfactant species. The result is a perceptibly milder, more skin-compatible product. This property is key in personal care applications including mild shampoos, baby wash, and sensitive-skin hand soaps.
⚙️ Wide pH Stability & Cost-Effectiveness
Stable and fully functional across pH 4–12 - performing in acidic shampoos, neutral dishwashing liquids, and alkaline industrial cleaners without degradation or phase change. Compared with more expensive co-surfactants (fatty alcohol ethoxylates, APG, specialized betaines), Cocamide DEA delivers outstanding cost-performance. Its multifunctional role as foam booster + thickener + emulsifier simultaneously reduces the number of additives required in a formulation.
📌 Cocamide DEA Formulation Guide - Synergistic Use with Primary Surfactants
Cocamide DEA is almost never used as the sole surfactant; its value comes from its co-surfactant synergy with primary anionic or amphoteric surfactants. Add Cocamide DEA to the formulation after the primary surfactant base is blended and the pH is adjusted to 6–9 for best viscosity development.
Recommended use levels: Shampoo / body wash: 1–3% (foam + viscosity) | Dishwashing liquid: 2–4% (foam + grease emulsification) | Industrial cleaner: 2–5% (foam + wetting + emulsification) | Car wash: 2–4% (foam stability + lubricity). For maximum thickening synergy, combine with SLES (AES) at SLES:Cocamide DEA ratio 10:1 to 5:1 and optimise NaCl addition separately. Contact our technical team for formulation assistance.
Cocamide DEA Uses & Applications
Cocamide DEA (Cocamide Diethanolamine) serves as a high-performance co-surfactant across four major application segments. Its multifunctional nature - simultaneously boosting foam, increasing viscosity, and improving emulsification - makes it indispensable in a wide range of liquid formulations.
Shampoo & Hair Care
The most widespread Cocamide DEA application. Used at 1–3% alongside SLES as foam booster, viscosity builder, and mildness enhancer. Produces a rich, creamy lather, improves wet-combing feel, and moderates the potential irritation of primary surfactants. Suitable for standard shampoos, conditioning shampoos, color-care, anti-dandruff, and baby shampoo formulations. Works equally well with CAPB-based gentle shampoo systems.
Dishwashing & Household Cleaners
Critical co-surfactant in hand dishwashing liquid formulations based on LABSA or AES/SLES. Boosts foam in hard water, emulsifies grease and food residues, and contributes to the characteristic viscosity of premium dishwashing liquids. Also used in multipurpose surface cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and tile cleaners to amplify foam, improve soil emulsification, and enhance product perception.
Body Wash & Hand Soap
Used at 1–3% in SLES/CAPB-based body wash, shower gel, liquid hand soap, and bubble bath formulations. Provides viscosity control without over-reliance on NaCl (which can affect product stability at low temperatures), and produces a smooth, creamy foam texture. Improves rinseability and reduces the squeaky-clean feel associated with high-surfactant formulations, enhancing after-wash skin feel.
Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
At 2–5%, Cocamide DEA serves as foam booster and emulsifier in industrial degreasers, alkaline hard-surface cleaners, pressure-wash concentrates, and tank cleaners. Its pH stability across the full range 4–12 allows it to function in both acidic descalers and highly alkaline industrial cleaners without performance degradation. Effective at emulsifying mineral oils, machine oils, and heavy grease deposits in metalworking and manufacturing environments.
Car Wash & Vehicle Care
Widely used in hand car wash shampoos, foam cannon concentrates, and pH-neutral car wash products. Generates abundant, clingy foam that lubricates the wash mitt and reduces swirl mark risk - a key consumer preference. Emulsifies road grime, oil films, and insect residues. Compatible with wax additives and gloss enhancers used in premium car care formulations. Provides lubricity that protects paint surfaces during the wash process.
Industrial Specialties
Used as an emulsifier and lubricity additive in water-based metalworking fluids, cutting oil emulsions, and corrosion inhibitor formulations. Serves as a wetting agent and foam-control additive in textile dyeing and finishing baths. Applied as a dispersant and stabilizer in oilfield chemical formulations. Its amide structure provides mild corrosion inhibition properties on ferrous metal surfaces, supplementing dedicated rust inhibitors.
Technical Specifications & CoA
SinoLook Chem's Cocamide DEA is manufactured from refined coconut fatty acid and high-purity diethanolamine under controlled condensation conditions. Every production batch is tested against the quality parameters below. A full Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Cocamide DEA SDS/MSDS (GHS-compliant), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are issued with every shipment.
Cocamide DEA (Cocamide Diethanolamine, CAS 68603-42-9) - Quality Specifications & Typical CoA
| Parameter | Specification | Typical CoA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance (25 °C) | Clear to slightly hazy amber viscous liquid | Clear amber liquid |
| Active Content, wt% | 85 – 90% | 87 – 90% |
| Amine Value, mg KOH/g | ≤ 30 | 15 – 28 |
| Acid Value, mg KOH/g | ≤ 5 | 1.0 – 3.5 |
| Free DEA Content, wt% | ≤ 5% | < 3% |
| Glycerin & Glycol Content, wt% | ≤ 8% | 4 – 7% |
| Color, Hazen (APHA) | ≤ 200 | 80 – 160 |
| pH (10% aq., 25 °C) | 9.0 – 11.0 | 9.5 – 10.5 |
Low-DEA Grade (EU Cosmetics Compliant): A low-free-DEA grade with free DEA ≤0.5% is available for cosmetic and personal care applications subject to EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 restrictions on diethanolamine content. Specify "low-DEA grade" or "EU cosmetics grade" when inquiring. Full regulatory documentation including EU compliance statement provided on request.
Cocamide DEA SDS, Safety & Regulatory
Cocamide DEA is classified as a mild-hazard substance under GHS criteria at normal handling conditions. The primary hazard categories are skin and eye irritation at concentrated form. Cocamide DEA SDS / MSDS are GHS-compliant and available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese - provided in advance for import compliance and regulatory review. Note: the EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts free DEA levels in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics; our low-DEA grade addresses this requirement.
| Safety / Regulatory Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2; Skin Sens. 1; Aquatic Chronic 3 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
| Flash Point | >200 °C - not flammable under standard conditions |
| PPE Recommended | Safety glasses; nitrile gloves; avoid prolonged skin / eye contact; use in ventilated area |
| Storage | Cool, dry area; 5–35 °C; sealed containers; shelf life 12 months from production date |
| REACH Status | Registered (CAS 68603-42-9) |
| EU Cosmetics Note | Free DEA restricted under Reg. (EC) 1223/2009; low-DEA grade (≤0.5% free DEA) available for cosmetic applications |
| SDS Languages | English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese |
| Request SDS / CoA / TDS | sales@sinolookchem.com or WhatsApp +86 134 0071 5622 - issued within 12 hours |
Cocamide DEA Price, Packaging & B2B Supply
Cocamide DEA price depends on grade (standard / low-DEA cosmetic grade), order volume, packaging, and delivery terms. SinoLook Chem's direct manufacturing and integrated coconut fatty acid supply chain deliver internationally competitive pricing. Request a quote for your specific requirements - response within 12 hours.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 25 – 200 kg (Trial Order) | 25 kg HDPE drums / 200 kg HDPE drums | CoA, Cocamide DEA SDS/MSDS, TDS; free sample option for qualified buyers |
| 200 – 5,000 kg (Regular Supply) | 200 kg HDPE drums / 1,000 kg IBC tanks | Volume discount; dedicated account manager; formulation technical support |
| 5,000+ kg (Bulk / Long-Term) | IBC tanks / ISO tank / Flexitank / custom | Best Cocamide DEA price; fixed-price contract; 24/7 technical support |
📦 MOQ
25 kg trial orders. Free samples: 500 g – 1 kg with full CoA for qualified buyers.
🚢 Delivery Terms
FOB, CIF, EXW. Ex-Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin. Consolidation with SLES, LABSA, CAPB possible.
⏱ Response Time
Cocamide DEA price quote within 12 hours. In-stock: 3–5 working days. Shelf life 12 months.
💳 Payment Terms
T/T 30% advance, 70% vs B/L. L/C at sight for large orders. Fixed-price contracts for long-term supply.
- ✓ ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 certified - every batch QC tested for active content, free DEA, amine value, acid value, color, and pH
- ✓ Full export documentation: CoA, Cocamide DEA SDS/MSDS, TDS, Certificate of Origin, packing list, bill of lading
- ✓ EU REACH compliance documentation; INCI name confirmation (Cocamide DEA) for cosmetic raw material applications
- ✓ Low-DEA cosmetic grade (≤0.5% free DEA) available for EU cosmetics compliance - full regulatory statement on request
- ✓ Formulation technical support: thickening optimisation, foam profile adjustment, SLES/LABSA/CAPB system design
- ✓ Consolidation shipping available with SLES, LABSA, CAPB, AOS, and other surfactants to reduce per-unit freight cost
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocamide DEA
Technical and commercial questions about Cocamide DEA (Cocamide Diethanolamine) from B2B buyers in detergent, personal care, and industrial cleaning industries.
What is Cocamide DEA and what is it used for?
Cocamide DEA (INCI: Cocamide DEA, CAS 68603-42-9) is a nonionic surfactant and multifunctional co-surfactant additive produced from coconut fatty acids and diethanolamine. It functions simultaneously as a foam booster, foam stabilizer, viscosity builder, emulsifier, and mildness enhancer. Primary Cocamide DEA uses include: shampoos and hair care products (1–3%, with SLES/CAPB); hand dishwashing liquids (2–4%, with LABSA/AES); body wash and liquid hand soap (1–3%); industrial and institutional degreasers (2–5%); car wash and vehicle care products (2–4%); and as an emulsifier/lubricity additive in metalworking fluids and textile auxiliaries.
Is Cocamide DEA amphoteric or nonionic?
Cocamide DEA is classified as a nonionic surfactant - not amphoteric, anionic, or cationic. It carries no ionizable charge groups in its molecular structure (the diethanolamide functional group does not ionize under normal use conditions). This means Cocamide DEA is compatible with all surfactant types (anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and other nonionics), and its performance is stable across a wide pH range from 4 to 12. Its nonionic classification is the industry standard and is confirmed by its INCI name designation.
What is the difference between Cocamide DEA and Cocamide MEA?
Both are coconut fatty acid amide surfactants but they differ in their amine component. Cocamide DEA uses diethanolamine (two hydroxyl groups), producing a liquid amide with better water solubility and stronger foam-boosting and viscosity-building effects in aqueous systems - the preferred choice for liquid formulations. Cocamide MEA uses monoethanolamine (one hydroxyl group), producing a solid or waxy product (melting point ~65–70 °C) that contributes foam and conditioning performance in solid bar soaps and stick formulations. For liquid detergent and shampoo applications, Cocamide DEA is generally preferred due to its liquid form and stronger synergistic thickening with SLES.
How does Cocamide DEA boost viscosity in SLES-based formulations?
Cocamide DEA increases viscosity in anionic surfactant systems through a well-established co-surfactant micellar transition mechanism. In pure SLES solutions, micelles are predominantly spherical; adding Cocamide DEA intercalates into the surfactant micelles, increasing the packing parameter and driving a sphere-to-rod (worm-like) micellar transition. Rod-like and worm-like micelles create a viscoelastic network with dramatically higher viscosity than the sphere-dominated system - at only 1–3% Cocamide DEA addition. This synergistic effect is most pronounced in SLES systems and is supplemented (not replaced) by NaCl addition to further optimize final viscosity.
Is Cocamide DEA safe for cosmetics? What are the EU regulatory requirements?
Cocamide DEA (INCI: Cocamide DEA) is a permitted cosmetic ingredient. However, under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and its associated guidelines, the presence of free diethanolamine (DEA) is restricted - products must not contain free DEA above specific limits in finished cosmetic products due to potential nitrosamine formation concerns. Our low-DEA grade (free DEA ≤0.5%) is specifically produced for cosmetic applications requiring EU compliance. INCI documentation, EU compliance statements, and full CoA are provided with cosmetic-grade supply. For non-cosmetic industrial applications, the standard grade is appropriate.
Can Cocamide DEA replace Cocamide DIPA or CDEA in formulations?
Yes, in most applications. Cocamide DEA (CAS 68603-42-9), Cocamide DIPA (diisopropanolamine version), and CDEA are functionally similar coconut fatty acid amide co-surfactants. All three provide foam boosting and thickening in anionic surfactant systems. Cocamide DEA is generally the most widely available and cost-competitive option, and is the industry standard reference for coconut diethanolamide performance. Direct drop-in replacement is typically feasible at equal dosage, with minor viscosity and foam adjustments. Our technical team can assist with equivalency validation and reformulation guidance.
What is the Cocamide DEA CAS number and where can I get the SDS?
The Cocamide DEA CAS number is 68603-42-9. SinoLook Chem provides GHS-compliant Cocamide DEA SDS (Safety Data Sheet) / MSDS in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese - available before order confirmation for compliance review, import clearance, and regulatory audits. We also supply CoA (Certificate of Analysis), TDS (Technical Data Sheet), Certificate of Origin, and EU REACH compliance documentation with every shipment. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com or WhatsApp +86 134 0071 5622 to request documentation.
How do I get a Cocamide DEA price quote or free sample?
Free samples (500 g – 1 kg) with full CoA are available for qualified B2B buyers. We can supply Cocamide DEA alongside SLES, LABSA, CAPB, and AOS samples for complete detergent formulation evaluation.
- Step 1: Contact us with your requirements - grade (standard / low-DEA cosmetic), quantity, packaging, delivery terms, and destination.
- Step 2: Receive a Cocamide DEA price quote within 12 hours, including lead time and documentation list.
- Step 3: Request free samples with full CoA - Cocamide DEA alone or as part of a detergent surfactant sample set.
- Step 4: Confirm your order - production, packaging, documentation, and freight handled end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive your shipment on time with full traceability documentation and post-delivery formulation support.
Hot Tags: cocamide dea, China cocamide dea manufacturers, suppliers, soyamide dea, cocamide dea other names, cocamide dea surfactant, cocamide dea cancer, cocamidopropyl dea, cocamide
