Have you ever wondered what gives your shampoo its creamy texture or your dish soap that thick, satisfying lather? Chances are, it’s cocamide MEA. 

This chemical is a go-to ingredient in many cleaning and personal care products. But while it might seem harmless—it’s made from coconut oil, right?—there’s more to it than meets the eye. Cocamide MEA comes with potential health risks and environmental downsides that you’ll want to know about. 

So, let’s find out what cocamide MEA is, why it’s used, and how you can avoid it to make safer choices for your home.

What is cocamide MEA?

Cocamide MEA, or Cocamide Monoethanolamine, is a chemical made by combining coconut oil with monoethanolamine. Companies use it to thicken up products and create that nice, bubbly lather we’ve come to expect. 

It might sound natural because it starts with coconut oil, but don’t be fooled—this ingredient is heavily processed. And that processing may lead to some pretty concerning side effects for both you and the planet.

Cocamide MEA vs Cocamide DEA

Cocamide MEA and Cocamide DEA are both made from coconut oil, but they’re not quite the same. Cocamide DEA is the more dangerous cousin—it’s been linked to higher cancer risks. 

Cocamide MEA is often seen as the ‘safer’ choice, but it’s not risk-free. It may still form harmful byproducts, especially when mixed with certain other ingredients and inhalation of high doses may be toxic.

The safest option? Skip them both and go for eco-friendly products instead.

How does cocamide MEA work?

Cocamide MEA’s job is to keep everything in your products mixed together and give them a nice, creamy feel. It also helps create that rich foam we all love. But here’s the catch: because it’s so good at mixing things, it may also spread other harmful chemicals more effectively. That means you’re getting more exposure to potentially toxic ingredients, and when you rinse those products away, they end up polluting our waterways.

Common cleaning products that contain cocamide MEA

You’ll find cocamide MEA in all kinds of everyday products, like:

  • Dish soap
  • Laundry detergent
  • All-purpose cleaners
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face cleansers

It’s everywhere, which is why it’s so important to check labels.

Common side effects of cocamide MEA

Skin irritation and allergies

Cocamide MEA may irritate your skin and eyes, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing allergies.

Nasal irritation

Inhalation may lead to irritation of the nasal passages.

Pulmonary oedema

High doses or prolonged exposure may cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and other serious respiratory issues.

Cancer concerns

While cocamide MEA itself isn’t classified as a carcinogen, it may react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are known to cause cancer.

Harm to the environment

When you wash products with cocamide MEA down the drain, the chemical doesn’t just disappear. It may harm fish and other aquatic life and stick around in the environment for a long time.

How to minimise exposure to cocamide MEA in your home

The best way to limit your exposure is to read product labels carefully. Steer clear of anything that lists cocamide MEA, DEA or similar terms. And if you’re stuck with products that contain it, wear gloves to avoid direct contact.

The environmental impact of cocamide MEA

Cocamide MEA isn’t just bad for your health—it’s rough on the environment too. It can take a long time to break down and may harm aquatic ecosystems. Every time you use a product with this ingredient, it contributes to pollution. That’s why switching to greener, biodegradable options is so important.

What are the safer alternatives?

You don’t need harsh chemicals for a clean home or a good lather. Look for products made with plant-based ingredients or those that use essential oils for fragrance. They’re not only better for you but also kinder to the planet.

Making the switch to eco-friendly products

The convenience of cocamide MEA isn’t worth the risks to your health or the environment. You can make a big difference by switching to eco-friendly, natural cleaning products. Our range of green cleaning solutions is a great place to start. They’re tough on dirt but gentle on your skin and the Earth.