Ingredient dictionary

Cocamide MEA

Also listed as: Coco monoethanolamide

Cocamide MEA is a coconut-derived foaming agent and thickener made from coconut oil fatty acids and monoethanolamine. It helps shampoos and cleansers build foam and feel thicker. It is on the label of 23 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Cocamide MEA does

Boosts and stabilizes foam in cleansers
Thickens liquid formulas
Adds slight softness and slip

Cocamide MEA is made by reacting fatty acids from coconut oil with monoethanolamine, a small molecule that contains both an amine and an alcohol group. The reaction forms an amide, which is a nonionic molecule, meaning it carries no electrical charge.

Formulators use it mainly for foam and body. It helps stabilize the bubbles made by the main cleansers, and it adds viscosity, or thickness, so shampoos and lotions feel richer in the hand. In rinse-off products it can leave hair and skin feeling a little softer and smoother. It usually works best alongside other ingredients rather than alone.

Good for

Shoppers who like a rich lather in shampoo or body wash, and a thicker, creamy feel in lotions.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cocamide MEA safe for sensitive skin?

Cocamide MEA is generally well tolerated by most people. Everyone reacts differently, though. If your skin is sensitive, try a small patch on your inner arm first and see how it feels over a day.

Is Cocamide MEA the same as Cocamide DEA?

No. Cocamide MEA is made with monoethanolamine, while Cocamide DEA is made with diethanolamine. They are related ingredients with similar jobs, but they are different. Check the full label name if you are comparing products.