PEG-3 Cocamide

What is PEG-3 Cocamide?

PEG-3 Cocamide is a synthetic nonionic surfactant created by attaching three ethylene oxide units to cocamide, which derives from coconut oil fatty acids. This ethoxylation process enhances its water solubility and mildness. It appears in rinse-off personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and bubble baths. In formulations, it lowers surface tension between water, oils, and soils, facilitating dirt removal and rinse-off. As an emulsifier, it forms a protective layer at oil-water interfaces to prevent separation in creamy textures. Its foam-boosting ability generates stable, creamy lather, improving user experience during application. Overall, it supports effective cleansing while maintaining product stability across various pH levels common in wash-off items.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 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.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.

Benefits

Gentle surface tension reduction for effective yet mild cleansing action.

Stable emulsion formation for uniform product texture in lotions and cleansers.

Enhanced lather volume and stability for better sensory appeal in washes.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily shampoos and body washes seeking rich foam.
Those with known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol compounds.
Individuals preferring mild, non-drying cleansers for routine hygiene.
Individuals concerned about potential impurities from ethoxylation processes.
People with normal skin types using emulsified rinse-off products.
Users preferring completely natural or coconut-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by relevant expert reviews at typical concentrations.
  • EWG rates it with moderate concern primarily due to possible contamination risks.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-3 Cocamide

What products commonly contain PEG-3 Cocamide?

Found mainly in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and other foaming rinse-off items.

Is PEG-3 Cocamide suitable for sensitive skin?

It functions as a mild nonionic surfactant with generally low irritation potential.

Does it contribute to acne?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, suggesting it does not promote pore clogging.