For school-age children (5 years and up), Cocamide MEA is generally okay in products that are rinsed off, like shampoos and body washes. It can sometimes irritate skin or eyes, and there are manufacturing contamination concerns, so it’s best handled with care.
Use products that rinse off (shampoo, bath wash) rather than leave-on creams or lotions. Choose trusted brands that list ingredients clearly. Do a small patch test on your child’s arm before regular use. If you see redness, rash, stinging, or eye irritation, stop using it.
Avoid products that say they are leave-on (lotions, creams) if they contain Cocamide MEA — industry reviews flag this as unsafe in leave-on items. Watch for irritation (redness, itching, eye sting) and be aware there is a manufacturing contamination concern called nitrosamines; prefer products from reputable manufacturers that control impurities.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Cocamide MEA or its alternative names.
Use caution with Cocamide MEA for 5+ year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.
Cocamide MEA is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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