Cocamide DEA is a surfactant based on vegetable oils. It is mainly used in the cosmetic industry as a major component of many cosmetics. It features washing properties, a capability to modify rheology and a capability to stabilise foam. Non-cosmetic applications of Cocamide DEA are mostly based on the automotive chemicals branche, construction industry and plastics production.
The washing properties, foam stabilisation and anti-septic properties are just some of the advantages of the compound whose INCI name is Cocamide DEA. It is a non-ionic surfactant produced on the basis of natural vegetable oils. The chemical name of the compound is: amides, C8 – 18 (even) and C18 unsaturated, N, N – bis(hydroxyethyl).
Physical and chemical properties of Cocamide DEA:
The use of Cocamide DEA in cosmetic and personal hygiene products is mostly based on the capability of the compound to generate foam, improve its quality and stabilise it. The good foamability of products containing Cocamide DEA is a major contributor to the efficient removal of impurities from the body and hair and also to other aspects of performance. The foamability of Cocamide DEA is particularly noticeable when it’s mixed with anionic surfactants.
The compound acts in many products as a rheology modifier – thus it improves the consistency of a cosmetic by changing its viscosity. Rheology modification is essential. Cosmetics that do not contain any consistency agents tend to delaminate (e.g. due to improper storage) and thus their performance deteriorates.
As a washing substance, Cocamide DEA, effectively helps to remove impurities gathered on the skin and hair surface. It is used as a re-lubricating substance in washing products, because washing damages the lipid barrier of the skin by removing fatty substances.
Cocamide DEA is a safe substance for use in cosmetics. It does not cause allergic reactions or other skin irritations. It is effective at low concentrations. You can find it in products such as hair shampoos, shower gels, body lotions, beard care preparations and hair colourisation or care products.
The rheological properties of Cocamide DEA are also successfully used in the detergent industry. The compound changes the viscosity of a product and thus acts as a thickening substance. On that account, it is an excellent consistency agent in detergents for both household and professional use (industrial cleaning, automotive chemicals).
As a surfactant, Cocamide DEA exhibits very good emulsifying effects due to its molecular structure. It is a co-emulsifier, whose task is to support other emulsifiers in a given product. It also shows synergistic effects with anionic surfactants. Such features are used in the construction industry, where Cocamide DEA is used as a concrete additive, especially in difficult applications, where it improves the quality of aeration.
In the plastics industry, in the production processes based on polyethylene and polypropylene, Cocamide DEA acts as a lubricant. It is due to its form and dispersability in water. Moreover, production processes use its anti-static properties. With metal salts, it forms an antistatic additive for foamed polystyrene and impact-resistant polystyrene mixes.
