Cocamide DEA CDEA-85 - Quality and Formulation Guide

Cocamide DEA, also known as Cocodiethanolamide or Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide, is traditionally used as a supporting nonionic surfactant in cleansing and detergent systems. CAS 68603-42-9 and EINECS 271-657-0 identify Cocamide DEA in recognised chemical inventories. The commercial designation CDEA-85 commonly refers to a grade with high total amide content; Mars Oleochemicals currently specifies a minimum total amide content of 85% for its CDEA-85 grade.

Cocamide DEA is valued primarily as a foam booster, foam stabiliser and viscosity-modifying ingredient rather than as the only cleansing surfactant in a formulation. When combined with compatible primary surfactants, it can help improve foam richness, foam persistence and finished-product body. The final viscosity response depends on the complete surfactant system, electrolyte level, concentration, pH and processing conditions. These functions are recognised both in cosmetic ingredient references and in Mars Oleochemicals' existing technical information.

Cocamide DEA is a mixture of coconut fatty-acid diethanolamides, so one fixed molecular formula is less appropriate than the general structure R-C(=O)-N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂. Commercial quality assessment can include total amide content, free amine, glycerol, colour, pH, free fatty acid, moisture and physical appearance. Mars Oleochemicals' existing CDEA-85 specification, for example, lists total amide, free DEA, glycerol, APHA colour, pH, ester, free fatty acid and water as relevant control parameters.

Cocamide DEA can be used in suitable shampoo, body-wash, hand-wash, liquid-soap, dishwashing and detergent systems, but formulators should evaluate the regulatory requirements of each destination market. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review states that DEA amides should be formulated to be non-irritating and should not be used where N-nitroso compounds can form. California also currently lists coconut oil diethanolamine condensate under Proposition 65, making destination-market compliance particularly important when selecting and marketing formulations containing Cocamide DEA.