PEG-15 Cocamine

PEG / EthoxylatedSulfate Surfactant

What is PEG-15 Cocamine?

PEG-15 Cocamine is a polyethylene glycol derivative of cocamine, where cocamine consists of long-chain fatty amines obtained from coconut oil. The 'PEG-15' indicates attachment of 15 ethylene oxide units, making it amphiphilic with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. This structure allows it to function as a cationic surfactant and emulsifier in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers. In products, it lowers surface tension to facilitate dirt removal, stabilizes oil-water mixtures for uniform textures, and deposits a conditioning layer on hair or skin due to its positive charge, improving manageability and softness without residue buildup.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Enables effective yet gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension to lift away impurities.

Supports stable emulsions in lotions and cleansers for smooth, consistent application.

Provides conditioning effects in hair products, enhancing softness and detangling.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with normal to oily hair seeking mild, foaming cleansers.
Users sensitive to PEG compounds or ethoxylated ingredients.
Individuals using emulsions like body washes for everyday cleansing.
People with very dry or damaged skin preferring non-surfactant cleansers.
Those preferring coconut-derived surfactants for rinse-off formulas.
Those avoiding potential trace impurities in ethoxylated materials.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low concern by EWG (1-3), indicating limited hazard potential in cosmetics.
  • Non-comedogenic (rating 0), unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-15 Cocamine

What is PEG-15 Cocamine derived from?

It comes from cocamine, a fatty amine mixture from coconut oil, ethoxylated with 15 PEG units.

Is PEG-15 Cocamine safe for daily use?

Yes, in rinse-off products at typical levels, with low hazard ratings from safety databases.

Does it cause breakouts?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, suitable for acne-prone skin.