Cocamide MEA
Coconut Oil Monoethanolamide
What it is
A monoethanolamide derived from coconut oil fatty acids. Used as a foam booster and viscosity builder. A distinct compound from Cocamide DEA (diethanolamine), though related.
In this product: Foam stabilizer and viscosity builder.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal contact, rinse-off.
EUROPEAN UNION
Not specifically restricted in EU Annex III/V for rinse-off products, but DEA derivatives have been progressively restricted in EU. No specific EU restriction text confirmed for Cocamide MEA itself in rinse-off body wash.
UNITED STATES
Permitted. Cocamide DEA (a related compound) is on the California Prop 65 list and was classified IARC Group 2B (2010). Cocamide MEA is NOT on Prop 65. The concern is potential trace DEA contamination from manufacturing.
The evidence
IARC classified Cocamide DEA (diethanolamine condensate with coconut oil) as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) in 2010. Cocamide MEA is a distinct compound but may carry trace Cocamide DEA as a manufacturing impurity.
regulatory · 2010 · source
California Prop 65 fact sheet lists Cocamide DEA (coconut oil diethanolamine condensate) as a carcinogen; Cocamide MEA is not listed but the structural relationship warrants awareness of potential manufacturing contamination.
regulatory · 2022 · source
California Prop 65: Cocamide MEA itself is not listed. Cocamide DEA (a related but distinct compound) is listed as a carcinogen.
How to avoid it
Look for body washes that avoid all '-amide' foam boosters if you prefer maximum caution. Glucoside-based co-surfactants are common clean-label alternatives.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.