What is CDEA?
CDEA (Coco Diethanolamide, also known as Cocamide DEA) is a non-ionic surfactant and foam booster produced from the reaction of coconut oil fatty acids with diethanolamine. It is widely used across the personal care and detergent industries as a foam stabiliser, viscosity builder, and mildness enhancer, valued for its ability to significantly improve foam quality, foam stability in the presence of oils and soils, and overall sensory characteristics of shampoo, liquid soap, and detergent formulations.
Polychem Industries supplies CDEA to shampoo and personal care manufacturers, liquid detergent producers, and dishwashing liquid formulators across India and internationally. As one of the most widely used secondary surfactants in the global personal care and household cleaning products industry, CDEA plays an essential supporting role alongside primary surfactants like SLES and LABSA in achieving the rich, stable foam and pleasant sensory characteristics consumers expect.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detergent / Cosmetic Grade | Amber to brown viscous liquid/paste | 80–90% active matter (Superamide grade) | Industrial / Detergent / Cosmetic | Shampoo, liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids, hand wash |
Applications & Uses
Shampoo & Hair Care
One of the most significant applications. CDEA is widely used as a secondary surfactant and foam booster in shampoo formulations, working alongside primary surfactants like SLES to dramatically improve foam volume, foam stability, and overall sensory richness.
Liquid Hand Soap & Body Wash
Used in liquid hand soap and body wash formulations to enhance foam quality and contribute to viscosity building, helping achieve the thick, rich lather consumers associate with quality personal cleansing products.
Liquid Detergents
Used in liquid detergent formulations as a foam booster and viscosity modifier, contributing to improved foam generation and product consistency in liquid laundry and household cleaning products.
Dishwashing Liquids
Widely used in dishwashing liquid formulations to boost and stabilise foam in the presence of grease and food soils, an important visual and functional cue for consumers regarding product effectiveness.
Bar Soap & Detergent Cake
Used in certain detergent bar and cake formulations to improve foam characteristics and contribute to the overall sensory profile of the finished bar product.
Industrial & Institutional Cleaners
Used in various industrial and institutional cleaning formulations where enhanced foam generation and stability is a desired performance characteristic.
Technical Specifications
CDEA — Key Properties
Why Source CDEA from Polychem Industries?
- Standard and Superamide (high active) grades available
- Certificate of Analysis with confirmed active matter on every batch
- Excellent foam boosting and stabilising performance
- Reliable bulk supply for shampoo and detergent manufacturers
- Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
