Ingredient dictionary

Cocamide MIPA

Also listed as: Cocamide Monoisopropanolamide

Cocamide MIPA is a mild, coconut-derived foam booster and thickener made from coconut oil fatty acids and an amino alcohol called isopropanolamine. It is on the label of 7 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Cocamide MIPA does

Boosts and steadies foam
Builds thickness in shampoo
Works with other cleansing agents

Cocamide MIPA is made by reacting fatty acids from coconut oil with isopropanolamine, a small amino alcohol. The result is a nonionic surfactant, meaning it does not carry an electrical charge. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids such as lauric and myristic acid, so the ingredient is built from familiar fats.

Formulators use it mainly to boost and steady foam and to build thickness in shampoo. It often works alongside stronger cleansers, helping the lather feel fuller and the product feel more substantial in the hand. In the bottle it adds body, and in use it rinses away with water along with the rest of the cleanser.

Good for

Rinse-off cleansers like shampoo, where it helps create a dense, stable foam and a smoother, thicker feel.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cocamide MIPA a sulfate?

No. Cocamide MIPA is a nonionic amide, not a sulfate. Sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate are a separate group of cleansers. A shampoo can contain both, so read the full ingredient list if you are avoiding sulfates.

Is Cocamide MIPA the same as Cocamide DEA?

No, though they are close relatives. Both are coconut-based fatty acid amides that help build foam and thickness, but they are made with different amines. Labels list them as separate ingredients, so check the exact name when comparing products.