Common Name(s): Peg-20 cocamide,polyoxyethylene-20 coconut acid amide,peg-20 cocoamide

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend and boosts foam in cleansing products.

Why It's Used: Peg-20 amide of coconut acids provides hlb ~12–14 suitable for o/w emulsification and foam enhancement in mild cleansing systems.

How It Works: 20 eo units on coconut amide give hlb ~12–14; amide bond provides stability across ph range; coconut fatty acids provide mild skin affinity.

Typically Found In: Mild shampoos,cleansers,o/w emulsions,foam-boosted products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Foam boosting,surfactant,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Coconut fatty acids from cocos nucifera; eo from petrochemical; semi-natural.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Anionic surfactants,amphoteric surfactants,humectants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Peg fatty amides provide more hydrolytic stability than fatty acid esters across the ph range; the amide bond is resistant to acid/base hydrolysis, making peg-20 cocamide preferred over peg-20 cocoate in surfactant systems with varying ph.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary