Cocamide MEA (CMEA)

About This Product

Cocamide MEA is produced by reacting coconut oil fatty acids with monoethanolamine. It carries CAS number 68140-00-1 and the INCI name Cocamide MEA, and is supplied as white to cream flakes or beads, in contrast to the liquid DEA equivalent. The single rather than double ethanol group changes both the physical form and the performance. Cocamide MEA is a crystalline solid that must be melted into the batch, and it delivers a denser, creamier and more stable foam than cocamide DEA, though it thickens less strongly, so a separate rheology modifier or salt addition is often needed alongside it. Its main advantage is regulatory. Monoethanolamide chemistry does not carry the nitrosamine formation concern associated with diethanolamides, and it is not subject to the same restrictions and market resistance, which is why reformulation away from DEA generally lands here. It also gives better foam in hard water and contributes a pleasant, conditioned after-feel. Typical use is 1 to 4 percent. It is used in shampoos and body washes, bar and liquid soaps, bubble baths, facial cleansers and household cleaning products. Bio Green Chem supplies cocamide MEA to specification on amide content, free amine, free fatty acid, melting point, colour and pH.