PEG-3 Cocamide DEA
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Diethanolamide
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Amides, coco alkyl, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl), ethoxylated (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61791-08-0
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant developed mid-20th century from coconut oil derivatives to provide mild cleansing properties. Created as an alternative to harsher detergents while incorporating the traditional use of coconut oil in skincare.
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 Agencies
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