Horseradish Extract 1 L

A reliable way to thicken formulas and boost foam stability at home

Cocamide MEA is a viscous substance derived from coconut fatty acids that serves multiple purposes in cosmetic and household chemical manufacturing: it thickens liquid formulas, stabilizes and enriches foam, and softens the harsh effect of anionic surfactants on skin and hair. This is why the ingredient belongs to the Surfactants category, which brings together the essential building blocks for shampoos, shower gels, liquid soap and household cleaning products. The 30 gram package is well suited for home cosmetic making and small trial batches, when you need to test how the thickener behaves in a particular formula before scaling up production.

The main application of cocamide MEA is in the production of shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, liquid soap and shaving products. In shampoos it not only gives the product a pleasant, thick consistency but also noticeably improves foam quality, making it denser, more creamy and longer lasting. Unlike purely synthetic thickeners, cocamide MEA also acts as a co-surfactant that reduces the irritating effect of sodium lauryl sulfate and other harsh anionic components on the scalp. Beyond cosmetics, the substance is used in car shampoos, dishwashing liquids, concentrated household cleaners and certain industrial degreasers where stable foam is needed in contact with oils and grease.

Cocamide MEA pairs well with mild and micellar surfactants such as Lauryl Glucoside, a gentle plant-based cleansing agent on its own — together they create a formula with delicate cleansing and a dense, creamy lather. For those who prefer to build a base without complicated calculations, it is convenient to start with a ready Surfactant base Consistency and add cocamide MEA as an extra thickener and foam stabilizer. The ingredient also works nicely alongside mild amino acid based surfactants like PROTEOL APL, where cocamide MEA adds body to the texture while APL softens the final feel on skin.

The typical dosage of cocamide MEA in finished formulas ranges from 2 to 5 grams per 100 grams of total mass, depending on the desired thickness and foam density. It is recommended to add the component during the mixing stage of the main surfactants, at a temperature between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius, after gently melting it in a water bath to a liquid state for easier dosing and even distribution. Once added, the mixture should be stirred thoroughly until homogeneous, avoiding excessive foaming during production. Store the component in a tightly closed container, in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its properties over time.

Creamy trial-batch shower gel

Cocamide MEA 7 g

Lauryl Glucoside 15 g

Surfactant base Consistency 20 g

Distilled water 55 g

Glycerin 2 g

Fragrance oil 1 g