People have harnessed the fats within coconuts for generations, but the story of coconut monoethanolamide (CMEA) really took off when the world shifted toward gentler, plant-based ingredients. Scientists looking for alternatives to harsh cleaning agents started experimenting with coconut oil and ethanolamine in the mid-20th century, resulting in CMEA. Over decades, the ingredient gained ground first in regions rich in coconuts like Southeast Asia and India, where industries saw the benefits of local, renewable sources. As environmental and health awareness grew, so did the important role of CMEA, with producers ramping up capacity and refining processes to meet stricter industry benchmarks. Today, anyone reading the back of a shampoo or body wash bottle probably knows that coconut derivatives like CMEA have become a staple for mildness and sustainability in the global personal care market.
CMEA crops up in many products, bringing mildness and thickening ability to all sorts of household and personal care staples. In shampoos, laundry detergents, and liquid soaps, it works not only as a surfactant but as a foam booster and viscosity builder. Unlike some synthetic thickening agents, CMEA gives a lush lather without leaving skin or hair stripped. Its popularity comes from a mix of affordability, accessibility, and plant-based origin. Most people with any experience making soap or detergents know the value of a reliable multi-tasker, and CMEA’s inclusion in ingredient lists tells you the manufacturer cares about the experience of touch and rinsing as much as raw cleaning power.
This material usually appears as pale yellow to off-white flakes or waxy solids. CMEA has a faint, fatty odor that reminds one of its coconut oil origin. It barely dissolves in water on its own but blends far better when melted or mixed with other surfactants and warm liquids. Chemically, it belongs to the class of amides formed from fatty acids and ethanolamine, combining non-polar character with a touch of polarity from the ethanolamine part. That unique structure lets it both cling to oils and mix into water-based systems, which matters a lot for anyone trying to get grease off dishes or extra body in a shampoo formula. The ingredient melts at a modest temperature, holding up well in both solid and liquid product formats.
Regulators and trade groups set tight standards for CMEA’s purity, color, moisture content, and free amine levels. Manufacturers must provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) data that confirm actual CMEA content—often between 95-98 percent—along with residual ethanolamine, acidity, and heavy metal analysis. Labels on bulk containers include batch numbers, manufacturing and expiry dates, and safe storage instructions. Product labels in the EU, US, and many Asian markets use the INCI name “Cocamide MEA” or simply “CMEA.” This transparency lets buyers and end-users trace the lot in question if any kind of recall or safety query crops up.
Production starts with coconut oil, a widely available plant oil rich in lauric, myristic, and other fatty acids. These acids are separated through hydrolysis and then reacted with monoethanolamine under heat and vacuum. Manufacturers closely control the reaction conditions to achieve a high yield and avoid excessive by-products. The resulting crude product goes through purification steps like neutralization and bleaching, removing any unreacted substances and off-colors. In smaller workshops, batch processes still exist, but most large-scale production uses continuous, automated lines to ensure each lot meets tight technical specs and consistent physical appearance.
CMEA can take part in modifications that help tailor its application. It reacts with acids, alkalis, or other modifying agents to adjust pH and solubility. For example, combining it with sulfates or other anionic surfactants increases foam or changes how it thickens a system. Some experiments swap out part of the ethanolamine with other alkanolamines, which changes solubility and overall feel in the finished product. Tinkering with the fatty acid blend at the source, by mixing coconut with palm kernel oil, lets producers fine-tune the melting point and lather for specialized markets.
Across the globe, different manufacturers and regulatory bodies refer to CMEA by a handful of names. The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system registers it as “Cocamide MEA,” but it also appears on material safety data sheets as “Monoethanolamide of coconut fatty acid,” “Cocamide monoethanol,” and in older sources as just “Coconut fatty acid monoethanolamide.” Commercial suppliers offer proprietary blends that combine CMEA with additives to speed up production or improve handling, and trade names may include words like “Cocomide MEA” or “Cocamide Monoethanol.”
Anyone working with chemicals knows the importance of safety, especially with raw surfactants. CMEA enjoys a reputation as a milder and safer material compared to some harsh detergents, but it still calls for gloves and eye protection in concentrated form. Standard protocol in production spaces includes ventilation and spill control. Safety data sheets flag the possibility of mild skin and eye irritation with undiluted exposure, making PPE non-negotiable. Regulators in the EU, US, and Asia all approve CMEA in wash-off products but set upper limits and purity requirements to control contamination with monoethanolamine or nitrosamines, two groups of impurities tied to health concerns at higher levels.
CMEA has carved out space in almost every aisle of the store. The personal care industry uses it in shampoos, conditioners, bubble baths, and shaving creams where gentleness and thick, stable foam count for a lot. Household cleaning products, especially dishwashing liquids and hand soaps, feature it to help cut grease without scratching surfaces. Laundry detergents, especially liquids meant for cold water washes or gentle care cycles, rely on CMEA’s ability to stabilize other surfactants and prevent product separation. Industrial cleaning products may use CMEA for brightening metal or manufacturing equipment, and there’s been growing experimentation in agricultural and textile rinses. Many artisanal cosmetics and eco-friendly brands lean on CMEA, banking on its plant base and familiar image as a coconut ingredient to win trust from shoppers.
Labs across the world keep running trials on how CMEA interacts with other surfactants, preservatives, and specialty actives. Formulators want not only good cleaning or foaming, but better texture and shelf life. One promising line of research studies how CMEA blends with bio-based alternatives to replace synthetics entirely. Another angle looks at enzyme-catalyzed production, aiming to drive down energy use and waste in factory settings. In recent years, analytical chemists have improved the detection of possible contaminants and found new purification techniques that slash unwanted by-products—a topic that matters hugely for user safety and regulatory compliance. Plant biologists see potential in diversifying the fatty acid sources, and some startups test blends with seed oils from less traditional crops to reduce monoculture farming’s environmental footprint. The race to lower water and chemical use in manufacturing continues to pick up pace, with CMEA at the center of multiple experiments.
Years of toxicological evaluation in both animals and humans back up CMEA’s status as low-risk in typical use. Short-term exposure studies usually find minor skin or eye irritation from undiluted material and no sensitization with normal soap or shampoo concentrations. Chronic or high-level exposures remain rare due to strict manufacturing and handling controls. Research teams continue tracking the breakdown of CMEA in wastewater, examining whether it sticks around or breaks up into benign substances before reaching waterways. Concerns about impurities like nitrosamines and residual ethanolamine push producers to clean up every batch and avoid reactions with strong nitrosating agents. Consumer watchdogs and regulatory bodies keep watch, and thanks to transparency in reporting, anyone interested can access updated findings and recommendations on several chemical hazard databases.
CMEA’s future looks tied to two big themes—the drive for greener chemistry and the pressure on brands to deliver safe, mild, affordable products. As trends shift even further away from petroleum-based surfactants, companies will double down on plant-sourced ingredients that tick both the functional and ethical boxes. Expect more research on enzymatic and low-energy production, not only to shrink carbon footprints but also to appeal to demanding regulatory frameworks. Digital tools—like machine learning—could help chemists map out new blends or tweaks to CMEA that push performance without sacrificing biodegradability or safety. With so much R&D on plant fats and new oleochemical routes, CMEA’s role in helping clean up both bodies and the planet keeps looking more important.
Stroll into any supermarket and you’ll bump into bottles of shampoo, laundry liquids, dish soaps, and hand washes. Take a closer look and you’ll often spot coconut monoethanolamide on the ingredient list, sometimes tucked behind its abbreviation CMEA. Most shoppers skip past it without a second thought. Yet, this humble chemical touches our skin, clothes, and dishes constantly.
CMEA comes from coconut oil fat and ethanolamine. It goes into cleaning products because it thickens and stabilizes liquids. Try pouring shampoo that’s runny as water and you'll lose half the bottle down the drain. CMEA helps shampoos stay creamy and easy to squeeze into your palm without spilling. In laundry or dishwashing liquids, the thickness carries that satisfying “rich lather” feel. Lather might seem like frothy fun, but it actually helps soaps lift up dirt and oils from surfaces so water can wash them away.
The raw materials for making CMEA matter too. Coconut oil stands as a renewable plant-based source, not a petroleum product. This shift supports the global move away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable palm and coconut farming. I’ve seen more brands advertise plant-based surfactants—CMEA fits right in with this trend.
Sometimes people with sensitive skin react to certain detergents, so companies look for ingredients like CMEA that tend to be mild on skin. Its gentle profile means you’ll find it in baby shampoos and hand soaps, alongside products for adults. That can ease peace of mind for parents or anyone prone to dry skin.
Formulators rely on CMEA because it’s stable even at warm or cold temperatures. Nobody wants a shampoo that gets clumpy in winter or separates in the heat. Products stay smooth and ready to use even if they live on a bathroom shelf for months. In my own experiments making homemade soap, I noticed that simple recipes without thickeners gave odd results—big globs or watery liquid—so many small businesses and indie makers reach for CMEA to deliver the slick, even texture expected of commercial goods.
The use goes beyond the home. Some factories clean high-precision tools with soaps containing CMEA. Textile mills rely on it in industrial washing to strip natural oils from fibers. The reason they come back to CMEA: it does the job and doesn’t corrode metal or react badly with dyes.
Every chemical ingredient has its ups and downs. Practical risk comes from impurities sometimes left after manufacture—free diethanolamine, for instance, can pose hazards at high levels. Reputable suppliers control this well, but regulations around the world nudge everyone to keep purity high and contaminants low.
Sourcing sustainable coconut oil is another challenge. Growing demand pushes farmers to clear more land for coconut plantations. People who care about environmental health push producers for sustainable and ethical farming, much like with coffee or cocoa. Looking for roundtable certifications or similar signals can help consumers choose brands that match their values.
Over the years, I’ve learned that consumers shape the next generation of personal care and household products by asking questions—about both health and environment. With CMEA, the story isn’t just about suds and shine. It's about how we clean our world and what we leave behind after every wash. Supporting responsible producers and reading labels do more good than we think, bottle by bottle.
Cocamide MEA, or CMEA, shows up on the label of shampoos, body washes, even some conditioners. It helps the product foam and thickens the mix to a feel people recognize from their favorite brands. CMEA is a surfactant—a type of chemical that lifts dirt and oil, letting water wash them away. The ingredient comes from fatty acids found in coconut oil, so it has a natural sounding origin, but after several chemical steps in the lab, the end result differs from the coconut in your kitchen.
CMEA gives personal care products that creamy texture people expect in foaming washes. It makes bubbles more stable. Hands feel “cleaner” after use, but what does this mean for skin and hair? On one hand, CMEA acts gently on most folks, and many do not notice any tingle, dryness, or irritation. Yet, not everyone reacts in the same way. Skin can react to almost anything, including CMEA—especially in those with very sensitive types or allergies. Some people find their skin dries out more than usual after using shampoos packed with surfactants, because these ingredients also strip away natural oils.
Testing and review matter in any ingredient story. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel, a group of doctors and scientists, checked CMEA and found it safe in the final concentrations used in rinse-off products. European regulators have also allowed it, but with maximum limits. Reputable safety groups point to a possible link between CMEA and nitrosamine impurities. This byproduct forms if CMEA mixes with certain preservative chemicals during manufacturing or sits in a bottle too long. Nitrosamines stick around in the beauty world as a concern, since some types act as carcinogens after long-term, high-dose exposure.
My family includes a few with sensitive skin and allergies, so we watch what goes in the shower caddy. We have used shampoos and soaps that list CMEA—no rashes or eczema, but also no glowing improvement in dryness or scalp troubles. In stores, looking at the ingredient list helps us steer clear of the heavy hitters like sulfates or parabens, but CMEA feels like a middle ground. For average, healthy skin and hair, a little CMEA doesn't seem to do harm. The problems tend to show up in people washing too frequently, or those already dealing with irritation and dryness.
A push for “cleaner” products helped convince companies to cut back on unnecessary chemicals, including ones tied to nitrosamine contamination. Modern labs test batches for these byproducts, keeping levels as low as possible. Consumers still wonder if “natural” options make sense—some choose plant-based surfactants or soap bars with recognizable ingredients. Brands that share how they manage nitrosamine risks and transparently list ingredients build more trust in today’s market. People with sensitive skin often test new products on a small patch before going all-in.
People can limit risk by rinsing thoroughly, choosing products from trustworthy brands, and switching out formulas if skin reacts. Always look for labels that mention safety testing, ingredient sourcing, and brand transparency. Reading reviews and reaching out to dermatologists helps tailor product choices, especially for children or anyone with known sensitivities. Every ingredient brings trade-offs, but up-to-date research and cleaner manufacturing methods keep everyday risks low for most users.
Coconut Monoethanolamide, often called CMEA, comes directly from the coconut oil that many folks know from cooking and beauty routines. People might not realize that this same oil, mixed with the right chemicals, goes into lots of soaps, shampoos, and cleaners. The reason comes down to the properties of the lauric acid in coconut oil, which reacts in a way that forms a silky, foamy texture in products.
Production starts by heating coconut oil to a specific temperature, usually around 140–160°C. I remember walking through a small manufacturing lab and seeing giant mixing vats churning out a creamy white base; the coconut smell fills up the whole space. Once the oil reaches the right heat, workers pour in monoethanolamine—a kind of amine alcohol. This step calls for a steady hand; the reaction releases heat and fumes. The two ingredients start reacting, and experienced operators keep a watchful eye, adjusting the temperature as the reaction moves forward.
During this process, water forms as a byproduct. Any regular in the production world knows that even a small amount of leftover water can mess with the final quality. So, once the reaction finishes, the crew uses vacuum distillation to pull out excess water and keep other unwanted compounds to a minimum. In a plant I visited in Indonesia a few years back, workers relied on standard glass distillation setups, double-checking everything with simple hot plates and vacuum pumps. Though it looks old-school, sticking with careful basics ensures a cleaner result.
Once the product cools down, CMEA comes out as a soft, waxy mass. Most batches go through a grinding and flaking machine. I’ve watched as operators run trays of soft product through rolling pins and slicing blades—kind of like making dough, only this dough goes into cleaning supplies. These flakes or sometimes a thick paste get boxed up, setting them up for use in big factories elsewhere, where they’ll become key parts of the shampoos and detergents people use daily.
Not all CMEA comes guilt-free. Some smaller producers have skirted rules, dumping waste water or using low-grade chemicals without caring about safe disposal. On a trip to the Philippines, one chemical engineer told me about local efforts to get rid of outdated machines and use clean energy to heat vats. The long-term plan calls for routine safety checks, extra filtration, and tightening up factory floors to prevent spills. Backed by facts and evidence, cleaner setups and stricter policies matter, both for workers breathing in fumes and for the rivers and farms nearby. The choices made by these producers don’t just stay inside the factory—they end up on store shelves and in our homes.
CMEA's presence in everyday products puts producers on the hook for both safety and quality. Going for certified, responsibly sourced raw materials and cleaner production methods not only guards the health of workers, but also gives regular people some peace of mind about what they bring into their house. If you’re in the business or just a curious consumer, traceability and transparent safety checks offer confidence that what cleans your hands or hair came from a process that didn’t take shortcuts. Trust begins with the steps taken in these production rooms, and there’s plenty of work ahead for everyone involved.
Cocamide MEA, or CMEA, brings a lot to the table in the world of personal care. Over the years, experience behind the scenes in both small-batch and large-scale manufacturing has shown me that minor ingredient choices often set top-shelf formulations apart from the rest. This particular ingredient, derived from coconut oil and monoethanolamine, finds its place in everything from shampoos to facial cleansers. The value of CMEA goes beyond simple thickening—it helps products feel nicer, last longer, and work better for everyday users.
CMEA’s biggest boost to personal care items comes from its ability to improve product texture. The right texture turns a daily shower into something people look forward to. No one enjoys runny, watery shampoo or gritty face wash. Add CMEA, and creams and gels take on a creamier, richer feel that stays consistent in the hand and spreads smoothly. It can take an average product and help it compete with high-end versions on texture alone.
Skin sensitivity keeps popping up as a main concern, especially with so many customers battling dryness or irritation. CMEA stands out because it performs the job of boosting foam and cleansing without acting as a harsh irritant. Years of working with various surfactants and foaming agents have made it very clear—some traditional choices can dry out skin in just a few uses. Swap in CMEA, and the wash-off experience feels soft, with noticeably less dryness or tightness after rinsing.
Consumers expect their cleansers and shampoos to lather up and rinse away grime without a fuss. CMEA does not clean by itself but steps in as a helper, keeping foam stable and letting main surfactants work their best. Squeaky clean results with a thick, even foam matter a lot to end users, even if most could not pick the ingredient out in a list. In focus groups, people always go for richer foam and smoother application, and CMEA proves itself in direct-to-consumer feedback.
CMEA doesn’t just make products feel nice. It helps formulas stay mixed and keeps quality up over time. We’ve seen fewer issues with ingredient separation or strange changes in consistency—especially important in humid climates or for products kept in steamy bathrooms. Less spoilage or recalled batches carves out serious cost savings for brands large and small.
More customers now read ingredient lists and demand environmental responsibility. CMEA comes from coconut oil—a renewable resource—making it a better choice for brands trying to move away from petroleum. Both buyers and regulators pay more attention to green chemistry, so companies that use ingredients like CMEA send a message that they have nothing to hide.
The future of personal care rests on ingredients that work well and keep people and the planet safe. CMEA helps balance both sides. Whether you’re mixing up a batch in a start-up lab or scaling up for nationwide shelves, the decision to use CMEA pays off through better-feeling products, improved safety, and staying ahead in a marketplace that values transparency and quality.
Many shampoos, lotions, and cleansers promise a soft feel and a rich lather. Behind that, you’ll often find Cocamide Monoethanolamine (CMEA), a surfactant made from coconut oil. CMEA thickens the product, makes the foam creamy, and helps oil and water blend together. That has clear value for anyone who wants a product that feels good and cleans well.
Studies on surfactants like CMEA point out that concentration isn’t just a technical detail—it affects both skin comfort and long-term safety. Many formulators keep CMEA at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 3% in rinse-off skin and hair care. Government agencies and product safety boards, including the European SCCS and the US CIR, focus on the upper end and recommend not going beyond 3% in finished products. This is the safety margin where products can give the desired feel and cleaning power without causing irritation.
Contact allergy and skin irritation matter more than marketing claims. Even though CMEA breaks down oils and dirt well, high doses may disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. Over months of testing, researchers have linked concentrations above 3% with higher rates of red, itchy skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. My background in personal care shows that consumers rarely read ingredient lists, but they notice when a product dries their skin or causes a reaction.
After reviewing dozens of safety journal reviews, the consensus holds: In rinse-off cosmetics, manufacturers stick with CMEA concentrations under 3%. Leave-on products (like creams or baby wipes) should skip CMEA altogether, based on available safety studies and regulatory cautions. The concern? Surfactants left on skin for hours increase chances of low-level irritation, and regulators want to err on the side of caution.
Data from patch tests done on people with history of allergies confirms what formulators see in real world use. Below 3%, rinse-off products rarely cause trouble. Above 3%, or if used in leave-on formulas, the risk for rash or dryness jumps noticeably. No surprise: Dermatology clinics see more patient complaints linked with stronger cleansers or products packed with surfactants.
Improving product safety doesn’t just mean following the rules. Formulators can combine CMEA with milder co-surfactants or balance pH gently to reduce irritation. Labeling also makes a difference: listing surfactant concentration, even in straightforward terms, clears confusion and helps people with sensitive skin find what works.
The drive for better skin safety calls for keeping CMEA concentration under 3% in rinse-off products and avoiding it in leave-on formulas. For brands looking to build trust, being open about ingredient concentrations and testing methods signals real concern for the customer’s well-being. That earns loyalty and sidesteps regulatory headaches—and that’s worth more than fancy packaging or big claims.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-[(2-Hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl dodecanoate |
| Other names |
Coconut Fatty Acid Monoethanolamide Cocamide MEA MEA Cocamide Coconut Monoethanolamide Coconamid MEA CMEA |
| Pronunciation | /ˈkoʊ.kə.nʌt ˌmɒn.oʊ.iˌθæn.əˈlɑː.mɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 68140-00-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1861074 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:68488 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1751966 |
| ChemSpider | 153206 |
| DrugBank | DB11111 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 17c34788-4a9c-4534-b39a-61e69d04c7b3 |
| EC Number | 931-341-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1254539 |
| KEGG | C01734 |
| MeSH | D003079 |
| PubChem CID | 3035099 |
| RTECS number | LU5490000 |
| UNII | 6Z4V4O1JPZ |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C11H23CONHCH2CH2OH |
| Molar mass | Molar mass: 245.39 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to yellowish flake solid |
| Odor | Faint characteristic odor |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.24 |
| Vapor pressure | negligible |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.6 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4800 - 1.4820 |
| Viscosity | 3500-4500 cps (10% aq. solution at 30°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.49 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 792.40 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -14170 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | No ATC code |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS05 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 180°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of COCONUT MONOETHANOLAMIDE（CMEA): >2000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | RN 68140-00-1 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 10 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 1 – 2% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Cocamide DEA Cocamide MEA Lauramide DEA Lauramide MEA Cocamidopropyl Betaine Coconut Diethanolamide Coco Betaine |
