Tea PEG 3 Cocamide Sulfate

What is Tea PEG 3 Cocamide Sulfate?

TEA-PEG-3 Cocamide Sulfate is the triethanolamine salt of a sulfated ethoxylated cocamide, derived from coconut fatty acids amidated with three ethylene oxide units. This anionic surfactant is synthesized for use primarily in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It works by reducing surface tension between water and oils, enabling micelles to encapsulate and rinse away dirt, sebum, and residues. The PEG-3 component enhances water solubility and mildness, while also serving as a hydrotrope to dissolve less soluble ingredients like fragrances, preventing cloudiness. Additionally, it supports emulsification by stabilizing oil-in-water interfaces, contributing to creamy textures and consistent performance during use.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-4 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

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.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Hydrotrope
Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Delivers gentle cleansing by lifting impurities without harsh stripping.

Produces stable, rich foam for even product distribution and enhanced user experience.

Boosts solubility of other ingredients, ensuring clear and stable formulations.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with normal to oily skin or hair seeking effective daily cleansing.
People with known sensitivity to anionic surfactants.
Users preferring products with coconut-derived surfactants for mild performance.
Individuals experiencing irritation from sulfated cleansing agents.
Those desiring foaming cleansers with improved texture and clarity.
Those preferring completely sulfate-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low to moderate concern by safety databases for rinse-off use.
  • Typically mild due to its amide and ethoxylated structure compared to simpler sulfates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tea PEG 3 Cocamide Sulfate

What is TEA-PEG-3 Cocamide Sulfate?

A triethanolamine salt of sulfated PEG-3 cocamide from coconut fatty acids, used as a surfactant in rinse-off cleansers.

Is it irritating to skin?

Generally considered low irritation potential, especially in rinse-off products.

What products contain it?

Common in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers for foaming and cleansing.