What Is Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate?
Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate is the triethanolamine salt of N-cocoacyliminodiacetic acid, a compound that starts with fatty acids obtained from coconut oil. Chemists combine these coconut-based fatty acids with iminodiacetic acid, then neutralize the mixture with triethanolamine to form a water-soluble salt. This process creates a mild, skin-friendly ingredient that helps formulas work well in hard or soft water.
It first appeared in personal care products when formulators looked for gentler surfactants to replace harsher soaps in the 1970s. Because it cleans without stripping skin or hair, it quickly found a place in everyday items. Today you will spot it in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup-removing wipes, sheet masks and even some leave-on moisturizers where a light cleansing or metal-binding boost is helpful.
Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient offers more than one job in a formula
- Chelating: It binds to metal ions such as calcium and magnesium that can be present in tap water. Removing these ions keeps a product stable, prevents discoloration and allows surfactants to foam and cleanse more effectively.
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant nature lifts away dirt, oil and leftover makeup while keeping skin and hair comfortable. Formulators often pair it with other gentle surfactants to create a soft, creamy lather that rinses clean without tightness.
Who Can Use Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate
Because it is a mild, coconut-derived cleansing and chelating agent, Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate is generally suitable for dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its gentle nature also makes it a good fit for sensitive skin, though anyone with a known coconut allergy should be cautious since the raw material comes from coconut fatty acids.
The ingredient is sourced from plants and produced synthetically, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal byproducts or animal testing are involved in standard manufacturing, but consumers who follow strict ethical guidelines may still wish to confirm brand-specific policies.
Current safety data show no issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as directed in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review new products with a healthcare professional to be completely confident.
Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate does not make skin more reactive to sunlight, so it is not linked to photosensitivity. It is also fragrance-free and does not interfere with most active ingredients, making it easy to slot into multi-step routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the low levels typical in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation some users may experience temporary redness or stinging, especially on compromised or highly sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare cases of allergy linked to coconut-derived substances can show up as itching, rash or swelling
- Eye irritation if a cleanser or shampoo accidentally gets into the eyes it can cause watering or a brief burning sensation
- Dryness over-cleansing with any surfactant, even a mild one, can strip natural oils leading to tight or flaky skin
- Product interaction buildup combining it with very high levels of cationic conditioning agents may leave a film on hair or skin, though this is formulation dependent
If you notice any discomfort, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5 (low). Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate is fully water soluble and typically used at small percentages, so it rinses away instead of lingering in pores. Its molecular structure is not oily or waxy, making it unlikely to create the kind of film that traps sebum and debris. Any breakout reports are usually linked to richer co-ingredients rather than this salt itself.
Overall it is considered suitable for acne prone or easily congested skin. If a formula containing it still feels heavy, the culprit is probably the product’s overall base rather than Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate.
Summary
Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate chelates metal ions and provides mild cleansing in one multitasking package. By binding calcium and magnesium it keeps preservatives, colors or surfactant performance from being disrupted, and its gentle surfactant action sweeps away dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.
Though it rarely headlines marketing claims, the ingredient is a quiet staple in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes and micellar waters because it performs reliably in both hard and soft water.
Safety data and decades of consumer use point to a very low risk of irritation or allergy for most people. Still individual sensitivities vary, so patch testing a new product that lists Di-Tea-Cocamide Diacetate is a good way to make sure your skin agrees with it.