What is cocamide DEA and why is it a concern?

Cocamide DEA is a chemical derived from coconut oil used in personal care products as a foam booster and thickening agent. It has been linked to liver and kidney cancer in animal studies and is classified as a carcinogen.

Which major retailers are involved in the lawsuit regarding cocamide DEA?

Amazon, Target, and Walmart have been notified by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) for selling products containing cocamide DEA.

Are there other health concerns with hair products?

Yes, chemical relaxers and straighteners may increase cancer risk, and formaldehyde, a preservative in some hair products, is also a known carcinogen.

Home / Health / Hidden Cancer Risk in Your Shampoo and Soap

Hidden Cancer Risk in Your Shampoo and Soap

7 Feb

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Summary

Retailers Amazon, Target, and Walmart are selling products with cocamide DEA.
Cocamide DEA is linked to liver and kidney cancer in animal studies.
CEH previously removed the carcinogen from the market over a decade ago.

Hidden Cancer Risk in Your Shampoo and Soap

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has issued notices to major retailers Amazon, Target, and Walmart, alleging they are selling personal care products containing cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), a known carcinogen. This chemical, derived from coconut oil, is used as a foam booster and thickening agent in shampoos, soaps, and lotions.

Laboratory tests have linked cocamide DEA to liver and kidney cancer, and California has classified it as a carcinogen. The CEH previously led a successful effort to remove this substance from the market between 2013 and 2016. However, the organization observed its reappearance in 2023, prompting further investigation and legal action.

The CEH identified 28 products on Amazon, one at Target, and 11 at Walmart that contained cocamide DEA. These products include shampoos, facial care items, nail care products, intimate hygiene soaps, hand soaps, foot care items, and body soaps. The CEH hopes this lawsuit will compel these retailers to cease selling products with this carcinogenic ingredient.