Love that rich, foamy lather from your favourite dish soap or shampoo? It feels luxurious, right? But here’s a little-known truth: that satisfying foam might be masking a not-so-pretty secret.
Cocamide DEA is a common ingredient in household and personal care products, helping them lather and stay thick. But behind the bubbles, serious health and environmental concerns may be lurking.
So, what exactly is cocamide DEA, and why should you be concerned? We’ll explore its uses and potential harms, helping you find safer alternatives for your home and the environment.

What is cocamide DEA?
Cocamide DEA, or cocamide diethanolamine, is a chemical blend of coconut oil and diethanolamine. It gives cleaning products a rich, creamy texture and luscious foam.
While it starts with coconut oil, this ingredient is far from natural. In fact, the Californian government has flagged Cocamide DEA as a potential cancer risk. So, while it might make your soaps and shampoos feel luxurious, it may not be doing your health any favours.
Cocamide DEA vs Cocamide MEA
Cocamide DEA and cocamide MEA come from the same source—coconut oil—but they have some differences. Cocamide DEA produces a thicker foam and comes with a bigger risk to your health.
Cocamide MEA is considered slightly less harmful but may still pose serious health concerns. Opt for eco-friendly ingredients and your health will thank you.
How does cocamide DEA work?
Cocamide DEA prevents the ingredients in your products from separating and helps them mix together, creating that foamy, smooth consistency we all love. However, it doesn’t just help the good stuff spread—it may also make other harmful chemicals more potent and increase your exposure to them.
When these products are rinsed down the drain, the chemicals don’t just disappear. They may cause real harm to the environment, especially aquatic life.
Common cleaning products that contain cocamide DEA
You’ll find cocamide DEA in various household cleaning products, including:
- Dish soaps
- Laundry detergents
- Liquid hand soaps
- All-purpose cleaners
Personal care products with cocamide DEA may include:
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Hand soap and cleansers
- Body washes and shower gels
- Facial cleansers
- Hair dyes
- Antifungal and antiseptic creams
Common side effects of cocamide DEA
Here are some of the risks tied to this chemical:
Skin and eye irritation
Cocamide DEA may cause redness, itching and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Potential cancer risk
Cocamide DEA may react with other ingredients in products to form nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer. California’s Proposition 65 has listed it as a chemical known to cause cancer.
Dermatitis
Recent studies have shown that Cocamide DEA may trigger or worsen dermatitis, particularly if you have allergies or sensitive skin.
Organ toxicity
DEA compounds, in general, can build up in the body over time, which may cause damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. Studies indicate that DEA may also be negatively linked to male reproductive health by altering sperm structure. There’s even research suggesting potential effects on brain development and memory.
Safety precautions
To minimise exposure, always check the labels of cleaning products and opt for those free of Cocamide DEA. Wearing gloves and protective clothing while cleaning may also reduce skin contact.
How to avoid cocamide DEA in your home
To reduce your exposure, always read product labels. Avoid anything listing cocamide DEA, Diethanolamine, or similar terms. And if you must use products containing it, wear gloves to protect your skin.
The environmental impact of cocamide DEA
When products containing cocamide DEA are washed down the drain, they may harm aquatic life and raise concern for our waterways. It’s why switching to biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives is so important.
What to use instead
The good news is you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep your home clean. Plenty of eco-friendly products use natural surfactants to get the job done without the risks. These alternatives are safer for your family and the planet.
Try our OurEco Clean Introductory Pack to test a range of natural cleaning solutions in your home.
Choosing the right cleaning products for your home
Cocamide DEA might make your products look and feel fancy, but the potential health and environmental risks just aren’t worth it. Choosing safer, eco-friendly cleaning solutions can make a huge difference—for you, your family, and the Earth.
Ready to ditch the toxins? Check out our range of natural cleaning products, which work just as well—without the hidden dangers.