Cocamide DEA
كوكاميد ثنائي إيثانول أمين (DEA)
Fatty-acid diethanolamide surfactant
The verdict
Effective foam booster but flagged IARC 2B (possible carcinogen) — being phased out.
What it is
A coconut-derived foam stabiliser (cocamide DEA) used in soaps and dish liquids.
A foam booster with a real flag: IARC classifies it as a Group 2B 'possibly carcinogenic' substance (from a skin-painting animal study), and California lists it under Proposition 65. Its use has been declining for this reason, and CAPB has largely replaced it. Worth knowing it's there.
Evidence & status
IARC carcinogen group
group_2b
EU status
CLP-classified (H315/H318/H319, Danger); IARC Group 2B; EU cosmetics restriction (Annex III/60); California Prop 65 listed.
US · FDA status
EPA/CIR-reviewed where applicable
Halal status: halal
Coconut/palm- or synthetic-derived; vegan; no animal-fat or alcohol concern (surface use).
Also known as
cocamide diethanolamine · coconut oil diethanolamine condensate · CDEA
Primary source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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