Lauramide DEA

LOR-ah-mide dee-ee-ay

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

What Is Lauramide DEA?

A foam booster and thickener derived from lauric acid and diethanolamine. Like Cocamide DEA, it carries the same nitrosamine formation concerns due to its DEA component.

Source: Lauric acid reacted with diethanolamine

Origin: Semi-synthetic

Also known as: Lauric Diethanolamide

What Does Lauramide DEA Do to Your Hair?

Boosts foam production and thickens shampoo formulations. Stabilizes the lather and improves the washing experience. However, the DEA component creates the same nitrosamine risks as Cocamide DEA.

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

Same nitrosamine formation concerns as Cocamide DEA. Can form carcinogenic N-nitrosodiethanolamine. Being phased out by responsible manufacturers in favor of MEA or MIPA alternatives.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use but advises against combining with nitrosating agents. Same concerns as all DEA-based ingredients.

EWG Score: 7/10

HairAide Verdict

Avoid for the same reasons as Cocamide DEA. The DEA component forms carcinogenic nitrosamines. Choose products formulated with MEA or MIPA alternatives instead.

Products That Contain Lauramide DEA

Some older-formula shampoos (being phased out)

Alternatives to Lauramide DEA

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

Cocamide MEA, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lauramide DEA safe for hair?

Lauramide DEA has a safety rating of 3/10 and may be problematic for many hair types. Same nitrosamine formation concerns as Cocamide DEA. Can form carcinogenic N-nitrosodiethanolamine. Being phased out by responsible manufacturers in favor of MEA or MIPA alternatives.

Is Lauramide DEA bad for curly hair?

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

Is Lauramide DEA CG-method approved?

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

What can I use instead of Lauramide DEA?

Some alternatives to Lauramide DEA include: Cocamide MEA, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

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