CDE (Cocamide Diethanolamine)

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid.
• Solubility: Soluble in water, which makes it easy to incorporate into water-based formulations.
• Function: Acts as a foam booster, stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier.

Functional Benefits:

1. Foam Booster: Enhances the foaming properties of cleansers, making them feel more luxurious and effective during use.
2. Emulsifier: Helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, creating stable emulsions in creams and lotions.
3. Thickener: Adds viscosity to formulations, improving the texture and spreadability of products.
4. Cleansing Agent: Provides mild cleansing action, which is gentle on the skin and scalp.

Applications:

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Used to improve lather and thickness, providing a rich, creamy feel.
• Body Washes and Liquid Soaps: Enhances foam stability and gives a smooth, silky texture to the product.
• Facial Cleansers: Used for its mild cleansing and foaming properties without over-drying the skin.
• Bubble Baths: Boosts foam volume and stability, making bubble baths more luxurious.

Usage Guidelines:

• Concentration: Typically used in formulations at 1% to 5%, depending on the desired effect.
• Compatibility: Works well with a variety of surfactants, including anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants.
• Formulation Tip: CDE should be added during the cooling phase of the formulation process to avoid degradation at high temperatures.

Formulation Percentages of Cocamide DEA (CDE) in Cosmetics

1. Shampoos:
   • Typical Usage: 1% to 5%
   • Function: Enhances foam, improves lather stability, and provides thickening.
2. Body Washes and Liquid Soaps:
   • Typical Usage: 1% to 4%
   • Function: Acts as a foam booster and stabilizer, enhancing the overall feel and viscosity of the product.
3. Facial Cleansers:
   • Typical Usage: 0.5% to 3%
   • Function: Provides mild cleansing and foaming, helping to stabilize formulations without being too harsh on the skin.
4. Conditioners:
   • Typical Usage: 0.5% to 2%
   • Function: Adds a creamy texture and helps with emulsification of oils in the formulation.
5. Bubble Baths:
   • Typical Usage: 2% to 5%
   • Function: Increases foam volume and enhances the stability of bubbles for a more luxurious bath experience.
6. Shaving Creams:
   • Typical Usage: 0.5% to 2%
   • Function: Provides foam enhancement and helps to stabilize the creamy consistency of the product.

General Tips for Formulation:

• Add During Cooling Phase: Cocamide DEA should be added to the formulation during the cooling phase to avoid exposure to high temperatures that could lead to degradation.
• Check for Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with other surfactants and ingredients, especially when aiming for clear formulations.
• Adjust for Desired Viscosity: Higher percentages of Cocamide DEA will increase the thickness of the product, so adjust accordingly based on the target product texture.

Safety and Regulations:

• Cocamide DEA has been subject to scrutiny due to concerns over nitrosamine formation, which can be carcinogenic. It’s important to formulate with low levels of Cocamide DEA and ensure the product is free of nitrosamines through proper formulation practices and raw material selection.
• Regulatory bodies in various regions have guidelines on the usage levels of Cocamide DEA, so it’s crucial to stay updated with these guidelines.