Is Cocamide DEA Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Cocamide DEA is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Cocamide DEA. CAS 68603-42-9.
Is Cocamide DEA banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath |
| CAS number | 68603-42-9 |
What is Cocamide DEA?
Cocamide DEA (Cocamide DEA) is a coconut-derived foaming agent.
Why is Cocamide DEA used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Cocamide DEA dangerous? Documented risks
Classified a possible carcinogen by IARC; the EU restricts it over nitrosamine formation.
Products that may contain Cocamide DEA
- shampoo
- liquid soap
- bubble bath
How to avoid Cocamide DEA: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Cocamide DEA
Is Cocamide DEA banned in the EU?
Cocamide DEA is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Cocamide DEA in US cosmetics?
Yes — Cocamide DEA can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Cocamide DEA?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Cocamide DEA automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Cocamide DEA?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Cocamide DEA.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Cocamide DEA or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.