A new watchdog report has raised alarming concerns, claiming that millions of Americans are unknowingly being exposed to a carcinogen in their everyday personal care items. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) issued a formal notice to major retailers Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart on Tuesday, alleging violations for selling shampoos, body soaps, and other hygiene products containing cocamide diethanolamine, commonly known as cocamide DEA.
What Is Cocamide DEA and Why Is It Dangerous?
Cocamide DEA is derived from coconut oil and is frequently used in shampoos, soaps, and lotions as a foam booster, thickening agent, and stabilizer. It is produced by reacting coconut oil with ethanolamine. Laboratory tests have linked this substance to liver and kidney cancer, leading California to include it on a list of carcinogenic chemicals that require warning labels on products.
Caitlin Moher, CEH’s Research Manager, stated in a release: 'Cocamide DEA has been found to cause cancer. It has no place in any personal care products we use on our hair or on our skin. Cocamide DEA is included on the ingredient lists printed on these products, so we know it is intentionally included. We hope today’s lawsuit pushes Amazon and Walmart to stop selling shampoos, body soaps, and personal care products they know contain this carcinogenic chemical.'
Historical Efforts and Recent Resurgence
The CEH previously worked to remove cocamide DEA from the market over a decade ago, taking legal action that resulted in 120 companies eliminating the substance from their products between 2013 and 2016. However, the group has noted that the carcinogenic chemical appears to be creeping back into the market. In 2023, CEH found the toxin in multiple products sold at Family Dollar and Dollar Tree, leading to a settlement with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
This reappearance prompted CEH to review other popular products, uncovering 28 items sold on Amazon.com, one at Target, and 11 products at Walmart that contained cocamide DEA. Consequently, the nonprofit has taken legal action against these retailers this week, expressing optimism that the lawsuit will compel them to stop selling these hazardous products.
Health Risks and Scientific Evidence
Animal studies have linked cocamide DEA and DEA-containing mixtures to an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors. Major regulatory and toxicology bodies classify coconut‑oil/DEA condensates as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans.' Additionally, research indicates that when combined with certain preservatives, cocamide DEA can form nitrosamines, which are established carcinogens in animals and are easily absorbed through the skin.
CEH has compiled a comprehensive list of affected products, including:
- Shampoos
- Facial care items
- Nail care products
- Intimate hygiene soaps
- Hand soaps
- Foot care items
Broader Concerns in Personal Care Products
Personal care and hair products have faced scrutiny before, with experts long concerned about carcinogens like formaldehyde in chemical hair-straightening and relaxing treatments. A recent study from Emory University analyzed data from over 50,000 US women, finding that chemical relaxers may increase cancer risks by up to 166 percent. Specifically, users had significantly higher risks of pancreatic, thyroid, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancers, with frequent users facing even greater dangers.
Formaldehyde, used as a preservative, can off-gas over time, especially when exposed to heat, leading to health issues from minor irritation to increased cancer risks. The American Cancer Society notes links to various cancers, including in the nose, throat, stomach, and leukemia.
Demographic Impacts and Regulatory Actions
Demographic data from the Emory study showed hair straightener use varied by race: 66 percent of Black women, 25 percent of Hispanic/Latina women, and just 1.3 percent of non-Hispanic White women used these products. Researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to confirm results and identify specific harmful ingredients.
Regulatory efforts are underway, with the European Union and at least 10 US states banning or proposing bans on formaldehyde in personal care products. In 2023, the FDA proposed a national ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners, though it has yet to be enacted.
As of now, Daily Mail has reached out to the companies for comment but has not received a response, and the companies have not responded to CEH. The nonprofit remains hopeful that legal action will lead to safer products for consumers nationwide.
