PEG-5 Cocamide
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Cocamide, PEG-5 Coconut Oil Amide
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Amides, coco alkyl, N-(hydroxyethyl), ethoxylated (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68425-44-5
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century combining PEG with coconut-derived cocamide. Designed to replace traditional soap-based cleaners while reducing irritation and improving water solubility.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
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
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR