Coconut Diethanolamide

This patient information on Coconut Diethanolamide is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Coconut Diethanolamide. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Coconut Diethanolamide to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will be Coconut Diethanolamide sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

This chemical is widely used as surfactant agent helps stabilize the foam in hand gels, hand washing liquids, shampoos and dish- washing liquid. This chemical is derived from whole coconut and is a non- ionic surfactant.

Where is chemical found?

All purpose cleaners
Barrier Creams
Bath products
Cooling fluids
Cosmetics
Dish washing detergents
Disinfectants
Hand Soaps
Hand washing Liquids
Hydraulic mining oil
Industrial cleaners
Laundry detergents
Metalworking Fluids
Sanitizers
Shampoos

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Choose products listed only on your personalized Contact Allergen Database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Coconut Diethanolamide and safe to use.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruptions begins.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

Coconut diethanolamide
Coconut oil diethanolamine
Coconut oil acid
Cocamide DEA
Ninol®
Witcamide®
Calamide®

Potential Occupational Exposures:

Machine operators
Food Preparations occupations
Janitors and Maids
Sheet metal workers
Health Aids
Heating, Air, and refrigeration mechanics