PEG-20 Cocamide MEA

PEG-20 Cocamide MEA molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG 20 cocamide MEA, Polyethylene glycol 20 cocamide monoethanolamine
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Amides, coco alkyl, N-(hydroxyethyl), ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68425-44-5
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Synthetic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century from coconut oil amides and polyethylene glycol. Engineered to improve foam stability and cleaning properties in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 100%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 772).
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR