Cocamide MIPA belongs to the family of cocamides (MEA, DEA, TEA) and it is  also known as Cocamide monoethanolamine. The 'cocamide' part of the name means that it is derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil, is therefore of vegetable origin and is obtained from the coconut palm using a chemical process. MIPA' stands for MonoIsopropanolAmine. It is an organic compound of the alkanolamine family. It is a colourless liquid at room temperature, with an ammonia-like odour, and is soluble in water, alcohol and most organic solvents.

It has plant origin and is derived from the coconut palm with a chemical process.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

It is a surfactant (with the function of eliminating dirt particles) non-ionic, viscosizing and foaming.

INCI functions:

Emulsion stabilizer. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, molar mass plays an important role.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions.

 Safety

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, an independent organisation that assesses the safety of cosmetic ingredients in the United States, evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Cocamide MIPA is safe as a cosmetic ingredient.

However, like all ingredients, Cocamide MIPA may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially in high concentrations or with prolonged contact. It should also be noted that although it is derived from coconut oil, the process it undergoes to become Cocamide MIPA alters it significantly, so it is not comparable to natural coconut oil.

CAS    68333-82-4

EC number   269-793-0   931-596-9 

Synonyms :

• Amides, coco, N- (2-hydroxypropyl)
• Coconut monoisopropanolamide
• Coco fatty acid N- (2-hydroxy-2-propyl) amines