Safety of Cocamide DEA
Have you ever seen the name "Cocamide DEA" on a shampoo ingredient list?
This ingredient is a surfactant that improves foaming, and is often used in shampoos and body washes, where foam is essential.
However, there are some concerns that it may be a carcinogen.
This article introduces the latest research on cocamide DEA and its evaluation by American, European, and Australian institutions, and provides a thorough explanation of its safety and risks.
If you are concerned about the ingredients in your shampoo, be sure to read this article to the end.
Other related articles: Is the behentrimonium chloride in shampoo safe?
What is Cocamide DEA
Cocamide DEA is an abbreviation for cocamide diethanolamine. It is a surfactant used to improve foaming and viscosity. It creates fine bubbles, so it is often used in shampoos, body soaps, hand soaps, etc.
Its origins are coconut fatty acids and a substance called diethanolamine (DEA), which is why it is called a "natural ingredient" derived from coconut.
However, there are safety concerns about Cocamide DEA, and various countries and organizations are investigating its risks.
Let's take a closer look at safety based on the opinions of the following organizations and institutions.
US EWG's assessment of Cocamide DEA
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an organization that evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, etc. It has a great influence, with 25 million people from around the world visiting its website every year.
Cocamide DEA is considered a high-risk ingredient in the EWG database. The main reasons are as follows:
Carcinogenicity concerns
There are multiple studies and institutions that point to the carcinogenicity of cocamide DEA.
For example, the state of California has listed cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen, pointing out that prolonged skin contact with the substance contained in cosmetics may increase health risks.
Skin irritation
The EWG also notes that cocamide DEA may cause skin and eye irritation, so people with sensitive skin or allergies may want to be cautious.
Other reference articles: Cosmetic preservatives: risk of allergies caused by chlorphenesin
Comment from the US Committee on Cosmetic Ingredients Review (CIR)
The Committee on Cosmetic Ingredients (CIR) is a group of experts that evaluates the safety of ingredients.
If we look at the CIR report that also examined the safety of Cocamide DEA...
Cocamide DEA has been deemed safe when used in appropriate concentrations.
Shampoo is safe if it is less than 10%
The CIR concluded that the risks of using cocamide DEA are very low when used at certain concentrations, particularly in "rinse-off" products such as shampoos, and that it is safe to use it at concentrations of 10% or less.
Safe concentrations vary by product
According to the CIR, the risk is minimal for short-term shampoos, but for leave-in beauty products, they recommend concentrations below 10%.
This is because cocamide DEA can form substances called nitrosamines, which are toxic substances that are also known to be carcinogenic .
Safety evaluation of Cocamide DEA by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Affairs (SCCS)
Europe is one of the regions with the strictest regulations on cosmetic ingredients in the world. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Affairs (SCCS) is an organization that prioritizes the safety of users and plays a key role in creating strict regulations within the EU.
SCCS also expressed the following concerns about the Cocamide DEA:
Carcinogenic risk
The SCCS noted that cocamide DEA has shown a carcinogenic risk in some studies and is concerned that long-term exposure to it may jeopardize consumer safety.
It seems that they are particularly concerned about its use in leave-in cosmetics, not just shampoos and other cosmetics that are washed off.
Australian Allergy Society opinion
The Australian Allergy Society actively disseminates information on dietary and contact allergic reactions and preventative measures, and cocamide DEA has been studied primarily for its allergic reactions and effects on the skin.
Be careful if you have coconut allergies
Cocamide DEA is derived from coconuts, so people with coconut allergies should be careful.
For example, shampoos containing cocamide DEA can cause contact skin allergies, and the company warns that prolonged exposure to cocamide DEA can cause dry skin, itching, and rashes.
summary
Cocamide DEA is widely used in shampoos and cosmetics. Its safety is under debate, with some studies suggesting that the risk of allergies is very rare .
Although there are concerns about its carcinogenicity and skin irritation, many people believe that the risks are low if it is used in appropriate concentrations.
Whether a product suits your skin or not depends on the individual. People with sensitive skin or allergies may need to be careful just to be on the safe side, but ultimately it's important to check your skin condition and compatibility with the ingredients.
To that end, it's important to make it a habit to carefully check the ingredient list and think about safety.
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"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
We deliver world-class peace of mind to sensitive skin in Japan.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
