What Is Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides?
Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides is a plant-derived ingredient made by reacting fatty acids from coconut oil with aminoethoxyethanol, creating a mild amide compound. The coconut provides the long-chain fatty acids, while the aminoethoxyethanol adds a water-loving part that helps the final molecule mix well with both oil and water.
The idea of blending coconut fatty acids with gentle amines took hold in the late 20th century when formulators looked for alternatives to harsher surfactants. By adjusting the reaction conditions, they produced a creamy paste or clear liquid that fits easily into modern formulations.
Production starts with refined coconut oil. The oil is split to free its fatty acids, which are then combined with aminoethoxyethanol through a controlled heating step. The result is purified, checked for purity and turned into a stable raw material that vendors ship to cosmetic labs.
You will usually spot Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides in face and body washes, shampoos, foaming cleansers, micellar waters, bubble baths, scrub bases, lightweight moisturizers and even some sheet mask essences whenever a creamy foam and silky after-feel are desired.
Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasking ingredient gives formulators several handy benefits:
- Foaming – Creates a rich yet gentle lather that makes cleansers feel luxurious and helps spread the product evenly
- Cleansing – Lifts away dirt oil and makeup without stripping the skin or hair thanks to its balanced oil-and-water friendly structure
- Viscosity Controlling – Thickens watery formulas so brands can fine-tune texture from light gel to creamy wash without extra gums or waxes
Who Can Use Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its mild cleansing action suits normal, oily and combination skin and the built-in fatty acids help keep dry skin from feeling stripped. Sensitive or eczema-prone users can usually handle it, but they may prefer lower-foaming formulas to avoid any chance of irritation.
Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides is produced from coconut oil and synthesized without animal-derived additives, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review products with a healthcare professional before use just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence of it interfering with sunscreen performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides vary between individuals. The effects listed below are only potential issues and, when the ingredient is used correctly, most people will not notice any problems.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, more likely in very sensitive skin or when used in high-foam cleansers
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for those with specific allergies to coconut derivatives or amine compounds
- Dry or tight after-feel if the formula is overly concentrated or not balanced with moisturizing agents
If any discomfort or reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a medical professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low likelihood of clogging pores)
Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides is primarily used as a mild surfactant and thickener, not as a heavy oil that lingers on skin. The molecule keeps only a small portion of the original coconut fatty acids and attaches them to a highly water-soluble backbone, which means it rinses away easily and leaves little residue that could block pores. Because of this quick rinse-off behavior and its lightweight structure, formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in both face and body cleansers.
Its comedogenicity may rise slightly if blended with occlusive oils in a rich leave-on cream, but in the typical wash-off products where it appears the risk of pore clogging remains minimal.
Summary
Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides acts as a three-in-one helper: it boosts foam, lifts away dirt and oil, and adjusts viscosity so textures feel just right. It does this by combining oil-loving coconut fatty chains with a water-loving amino alcohol, allowing it to sit at the oil-water interface where cleansing and thickening happen.
The ingredient is moderately popular in sulfate-free shampoos and gentle facial washes but is still less common than classic surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine, largely due to cost and niche supplier availability.
Overall safety data label it as low risk for irritation or sensitization when used at normal levels. As with any new skincare ingredient, patch testing a finished product before regular use is a smart precaution.