Surfactant
PEG-15 COCAMINE
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A higher-ethoxylate coconut-fatty-amine surfactant. Slightly milder than PEG-10 cocamine but carries the same PEG-amine cautions on impurities.
PEG-15 cocamine is the 15-mole-ethoxylate coconut-alkyl tertiary amine (CAS 61791-14-8 series), used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and oil solubiliser. Higher ethoxylation generally yields milder skin profiles than PEG-5/10 variants. As with all ethoxylated ingredients, residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (IARC 2B) must be monitored. Being a tertiary amine, it is a potential nitrosamine precursor if combined with nitrosating agents. The CIR assessment of related PEG-cocamines supports cosmetic use with formulation safeguards; PEG-15 specifically has a thinner data record.
Skin benefits
- Mild cationic surfactant and emulsifier
- Antistatic in hair care
- Improves oil solubilisation
Known concerns
- Ethoxylated tertiary amine — possible nitrosamine formation with nitrosating agents
- Residual 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide monitoring required
- PEG-amines skew more irritating than PEG-alcohols
- Limited CIR-specific assessment for PEG-15 variant
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related surfactants
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.