Cocamide DEA and Cocamide MEA are both derived from fatty acids of coconut oil and are used as thickening agents and foaming agents in cosmetics and personal hygiene products. The main differences between them are: Chemical Structure: Cocamide DEA (cocamide diethanolamine) is created by reacting fatty acids with diethanolamine, while Cocamide MEA (cocamide monoethanolamine) is created by reacting fatty acids with monoethanolamine.
Appearance: Cocamide DEA comes as a clear liquid, while Cocamide MEA comes as waxy, white flakes.
Toxicity: High doses of Cocamide DEA can be very toxic and have been linked to cancers, while inhalation of high doses of Cocamide MEA can be toxic, but it is generally considered to be safe. According to the FDA, Cocamide DEA is safe to use in products at a concentration of 10% or less. Both substances are used to create foam and help remove dirt from the surface they are applied to, but they do not kill or retard organisms. They are found in various cosmetic and personal hygiene products, such as shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps.