Is Cocamide MEA safe in cosmetics?
Cocamide MEA has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Cocamide MEA
Also known as: EINECS 268-770-2, UNII-C80684146D
INCI: COCAMIDE MEA
Cocamide MEA (CAS 68140-00-1) is a cosmetic surfactant functioning as Surfactant. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 68140-00-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Surfactant
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR: SQ
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Cocamide MEA.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Cocamide MEA based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
surfactant
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
amidoamine-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | 1–3 | 5 | CIR/VCRP |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "surfactant", "cross_reactivity_group": "amidoamine-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.5", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA"}
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "CAS-14836", "ingredient_class": "cleanser_baby", "pediatric_safety_rating": "good", "minimum_age_months": "3", "neonatal_safe": "no", "premature_infant_safe": "insufficient_data", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "Mild derivative surfactant", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "low", "systemic_exposure_concern_pediatric": "low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Su…
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "1.0", "max_concentration_pct": "5.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "3.0", "product_type": "Body Wash", "function_at_concentration": "Foam booster", "source": "CIR Safety Assessment"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "budget", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "12", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "22", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "18", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "35", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "Malaysia/Indonesia", "synthetic_vs_natural_cost_ratio": "1.8", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "200", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "…
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "partial", "biodegradation_days": "90-180", "bioaccumulative": "yes", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "moderate", "coral_reef_safe": "unknown", "marine_toxicity": "moderate toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "bioaccumulative", "endocrine_disruptor": "suspected", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_envir…
emulsion_hlb
{"hlb_value": "13.5", "hlb_required_as_emulsifier": "yes", "emulsifier_type": "o_w", "critical_packing_parameter": "0.23-0.35", "emulsion_stabilization_mechanism": "steric_stabilization", "co_emulsifier_pairs": "cetyl_alcohol,glyceryl_cocoate", "optimal_oil_phase_pct": "5-15", "optimal_water_phase_pct": "85-95", "electrolyte_tolerance": "moderate", "pH_emulsion_stability_range": "5.0-9.5", "viscos…
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "5.0", "optimal_ph_max": "9.0", "stable_ph_min": "4.0", "stable_ph_max": "10.0", "degrades_above_ph": "11.0", "degrades_below_ph": "3.5", "ph_dependent_function": "Non-ionic; foam booster", "formulation_note": "Similar to DEA", "source": "Formulation literature"}
sensory
{"silky": "medium", "smooth, glides easily": "rich, thick foam", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "clean, soft", "instant": "moderate", "none": "very-high", "low": "high", "w/o": "o/w", "very-high": "moderate", "no": "no", "yes": "no", "1.40": "1.47", "transparent": "translucent", "colorless": "amber", "excellent": "good", "light": "medium", "synthetic": "botanical"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Emulsifier
Foamant
Softener and conditioner
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Thickening agent
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory List Membership (1)
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Cocamide MEA.
Regulatory Flags
eu_children_restricted
Known Synonyms
EINECS 268-770-2
UNII-C80684146D
Chemical Function
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Viscosity modifier
Softener and conditioner
Emulsifier
Regulatory Lists
Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - hand soap
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - body wash
children; Europe; Personal care - specialized bath products - bubble bath
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cocamide MEA allowed in the EU?
Cocamide MEA EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Cocamide MEA do in cosmetics?
Cocamide MEA functions as: Surfactant. It is classified as a Surfactant in our database. CAS number: 68140-00-1.
Compliance Tools
Check Cocamide MEA compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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