What Is Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate?
Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate is a surfactant made by joining fatty acids from coconut oil with a short chain of polyethylene glycol and a small diethylaminoethyl group. The coconut portion gives it a gentle, skin-friendly nature while the polyethylene glycol section makes it water soluble. Chemists began experimenting with this type of ingredient in the 1950s when the cosmetics industry was looking for milder cleansers than traditional soaps. Production involves first ethoxylating (adding about five units of ethylene oxide to) diethylaminoethanol, then esterifying that result with purified coconut fatty acids. The finished material is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves easily in water and blends well with other raw ingredients.
Because it both cleans and conditions, formulators reach for Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate in rinse-off and leave-on products. You will most often see it in shampoos, 2-in-1 conditioner shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, bubble baths and shaving creams. It also shows up in makeup removers, clarifying masks and lightweight hair treatments where a soft, non-stripping cleanse is desired.
Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas thanks to the following functions
- Cleansing – Lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup without leaving skin or hair feeling tight or squeaky
- Foaming – Creates a rich, stable lather that improves the sensory feel of washes and shampoos making them easier to spread and rinse
- Hair Conditioning – Deposits a light film that smooths the cuticle, enhances softness and helps reduce static so hair looks healthier after washing
Who Can Use Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types including normal, combination and oily skin because it removes residue without stripping too many natural oils. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it as well thanks to its lower irritation potential compared with harsher sulfates. Very dry or eczema-prone skin might prefer formulas where it is blended with richer emollients since any cleanser can aggravate an already compromised barrier.
The ingredient is sourced from coconut oil and synthetic polyethylene glycol, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly when the finished product has not been processed with animal-derived additives.
No data suggest that topical use poses a special risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review any skin or hair product they plan to use.
Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known restrictions on its use during daytime routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses vary and the following list covers potential side effects that can occur with topical use of Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate. When correctly formulated most people will not experience these issues.
- Mild skin irritation: rare redness tingling or itching especially on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Eye stinging: temporary discomfort if the cleanser or shampoo accidentally gets into the eyes
a very uncommon allergic reaction in those sensitized to coconut derivatives or ethoxylated ingredients - Excess dryness: over-cleansing can leave skin or hair feeling tight if the formula lacks sufficient moisturizers
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate is highly water soluble and rinses off cleanly so it is unlikely to stay on skin long enough to clog pores. Its fatty acid portion comes from coconut oil yet the molecule is chemically altered into a lightweight surfactant that does not behave like raw coconut oil, which can be pore clogging. Limited anecdotal reports and absence of flagged data in cosmetic safety reviews support a very low comedogenic potential.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Formulas that pair it with heavy oils or butters could raise the overall pore-clogging risk so always look at the full ingredient list when evaluating a product.
Summary
Diethylaminoethyl Peg-5 Cocoate is a multitasking surfactant that gently cleanses, creates satisfying foam and leaves a light conditioning film on hair and skin. The coconut-derived fatty acids lift away oil and grime while the polyethylene glycol segment keeps the molecule water loving so it rinses easily without residue.
It is not one of the biggest stars in personal care but formulators appreciate its mildness and versatility so you will spot it in a fair number of shampoos, face washes and makeup removers.
Current safety assessments rate it as low risk for irritation or sensitization when used as directed. As with any new cosmetic, patch testing a small area first is a sensible step to make sure your unique skin tolerates the product.