Cocamide DEA

KO-kuh-mide dee-ee-ay

Surfactant, Thickener 3/10 Safety Not CGAvoid Semi-synthetic Vegan

What Is Cocamide DEA?

A foam booster and viscosity builder derived from coconut oil and diethanolamine. Similar to Cocamide MEA but uses the more controversial DEA as its amine component.

Source: Coconut oil reacted with diethanolamine

Origin: Semi-synthetic

Also known as: Coconut Diethanolamide, Cocamide Diethanolamine

What Does Cocamide DEA Do to Your Hair?

Boosts and stabilizes foam in shampoos while thickening the product formula. Makes surfactant systems feel richer and more luxurious. However, the DEA component raises significant nitrosamine formation concerns.

Best For

None recommended (safer alternatives exist)

Not Recommended For

All hair types, especially with long-term use

Concentration Matters

1-5% in shampoos

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Avoid
CG Avoid

Safety & Regulation

3/10
AvoidCautionSafe

California Proposition 65 lists Cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen. Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines (NDELA) in formulations. IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic. Many brands have reformulated to remove it.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use but acknowledges nitrosamine concerns. California lists as known carcinogen under Prop 65.

EWG Score: 7/10

HairAide Verdict

Avoid this ingredient. It is listed as a carcinogen in California and forms harmful nitrosamines. Cocamide MEA or Cocamide MIPA are safer alternatives that perform the same function.

Products That Contain Cocamide DEA

Some older-formula shampoos (being phased out)

Alternatives to Cocamide DEA

If you want to avoid Cocamide DEA, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Cocamide MEA, Cocamide MIPA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cocamide DEA safe for hair?

Cocamide DEA has a safety rating of 3/10 and may be problematic for many hair types. California Proposition 65 lists Cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen. Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines (NDELA) in formulations. IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic. Many brands have reformulated to remove it.

Is Cocamide DEA bad for curly hair?

Cocamide DEA is not CG-method approved. Curly hair types may want to avoid this ingredient or use products containing it sparingly.

Is Cocamide DEA CG-method approved?

No, Cocamide DEA is not approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Cocamide DEA?

Some alternatives to Cocamide DEA include: Cocamide MEA, Cocamide MIPA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Get Our Free Ingredient Decoder Cheat Sheet

Take the guesswork out of reading product labels. Our printable cheat sheet helps you decode ingredients while you shop.

Check What's In Your Products

Use our free Hair Product Label Analyzer to check any product's ingredient list instantly.

Analyze My Product →