CDEA

Description

What is CDEA

CDEA, also called Cocamide DEA, is a nonionic surfactant made from coconut fatty acids and diethanolamine. In cosmetic cleansers, it is mainly used to boost foam, keep the lather stable, and help the formula feel thicker and fuller. It also works well with many common surfactants used in shampoo and liquid wash systems.

Why Formulators Use CDEA

Richer Foam

CDEA helps the foam look fuller and stay longer during use. This makes the product feel better on hair and skin.

Better Thickness

It helps thin liquid cleansers become less watery. This is useful when you want a fuller shampoo or hand wash without making the formula too heavy.

Good With Common Surfactants

CDEA works well with anionic and nonionic surfactants. Formulators often use it with cleansing bases like SLES and with support surfactants like CAPB.

Low Use Level, Useful Result

Even at a small level, CDEA can improve foam and viscosity. That makes it useful for small scale formulators who want simple performance gains. Recommended supplier dosage is around 1 to 4 percent or 1 to 5 percent, so it is usually used as a support ingredient, not the main cleanser.

How to Use

Handling Note:

CDEA is a thick liquid. If it feels too heavy in cool weather, warm it gently to around 40 to 50 degrees before use. Mix slowly so you do not trap too much air in the batch.

Usage Levels by Product Type

These are simple starting ranges for rinse-off formulas. They sit inside the common supplier dosage range of 1 to 4 percent or 1 to 5 percent, so you can adjust after lab testing.

Target pH:

For many shampoos, a final pH of 5.5 to 6.5 works well. For many skin cleansers, 5.0 to 6.0 is a common target. Adjust the final pH after all main ingredients are in the batch.

Formulation Build Order:

1. Start with the main water phase.
2. Add your main surfactant system, such as SLES or another cleanser base.
3. Add CDEA with gentle mixing until fully uniform.
4. Add CAPB or other support surfactants if needed.
5. Adjust thickness if needed.
6. Cool the batch before adding heat-sensitive items.
7. Add preservative, fragrance, and color.
8. Adjust final pH and check clarity and viscosity.

What You Can Make With CDEA

• Shampoos
• Body washes and shower gels
• Liquid hand washes
• Liquid soaps
• Bubble baths
• Facial cleansers

These are common CDEA use areas listed across supplier technical sheets and product guides.

Why Order From Stexol

COA With Every Batch

COA available with every batch, so you can check the key product points before production starts.

No Minimum Order Pressure

Small packs and bulk quantities available. There is no minimum order pressure, so small beauty businesses and growing manufacturers can buy in the quantity they need.

Tiered Pricing for Larger Orders

Bulk and tiered pricing available. Larger volumes help reduce your cost per kilogram.

Same-Day Dispatch

Same-day dispatch helps you keep your production moving without long waiting times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does CDEA do in a formula?
A: It helps boost foam, keep lather stable, and increase thickness.

Q: What is the normal use level of CDEA?
A: Most formulas start around 1 to 5 percent, then adjust after batch testing.

Q: Can I use CDEA with SLES?
A: Yes. It is commonly used with surfactant systems like SLES to improve foam and viscosity.

Q: Does CDEA help make thin formulas thicker?
A: Yes. That is one of its main jobs in shampoo, hand wash, and body wash formulas.

Q: How should I store CDEA?
A: Keep it sealed in a cool, dry, ventilated place away from direct heat and sunlight.

Order Now

CDEA is a useful choice for shampoo, hand wash, body wash, and liquid soap formulas.
Small packs and bulk quantities available. COA available. No minimum order pressure.
Same-day dispatch. Bulk and tiered pricing available.

Enquire Now