Top 10 Companies in the Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market (2024-2029): Key Players Fueling the Personal Care and Home Care Industries

In Business Insights
November 27, 2025

The Global Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market was valued at USD 243.7 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 332.1 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This sustained growth is primarily driven by the expanding global personal care and home care industries, increased consumer demand for natural and bio-based ingredients, and the superior foaming and thickening properties of CMEA in surfactant formulations.

As the market for high-performance, mild, and sustainable surfactants continues to evolve, the focus sharpens on the leading manufacturers who are driving innovation, ensuring supply chain resilience, and developing next-generation CMEA products. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market—a mix of global chemical giants, specialized surfactant producers, and emerging regional players shaping the future of this essential ingredient.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: High-purity CMEA, Customized surfactant blends

BASF is a global leader in the chemical industry and a major supplier of performance chemicals for personal care and home care. Their CMEA products are known for high consistency and are integral to their comprehensive portfolio of foam boosters and thickeners used in shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in sustainable production technologies and bio-based raw material sourcing.

  • Development of product variants with enhanced biodegradability profiles.

  • Global production footprint ensuring reliable supply for multinational customers.


9️⃣ 2. Galaxy Surfactants Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: A wide range of CMEA grades for personal and home care

Galaxy Surfactants is a leading global manufacturer of performance surfactants and specialty chemicals. The company has a strong focus on the personal care market and offers high-quality CMEA that acts as an effective viscosity modifier and foam stabilizer.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong R&D capabilities focused on creating value-added surfactant solutions.

  • Commitment to green chemistry principles and manufacturing efficiency.

  • Strategic global presence with manufacturing facilities in India, the US, and Asia.


8️⃣ 3. Kao Chemicals

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty CMEA for mild and high-performance formulations

Kao Corporation, through its chemical division, is a key player in the surfactant market, with a reputation for quality and innovation. Their CMEA products are designed to meet the stringent requirements of premium personal care brands, particularly in the Asian market.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering research into mild surfactants for sensitive skin applications.

  • Integration of sustainability into product development and lifecycle management.

  • Extensive application support and technical service for formulators.

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Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Solvay SA

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: CMEA and other fatty acid alkanolamides

Solvay is a leading global supplier of advanced materials and specialty chemicals. Its Novecare portfolio includes a range of surfactants, and the company produces CMEA that is valued for its efficacy in enhancing foam quality and stability in cleaning and cosmetic products.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on developing bio-based and renewable carbon index-improved products.

  • Active participation in industry consortia for sustainable chemical manufacturing.

  • Robust global supply chain tailored to serve diverse regional markets.


6️⃣ 5. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty surfactants including tailored CMEA solutions

Evonik’s Care Solutions business line is a major force in the personal care ingredients market. The company offers CMEA as part of its comprehensive suite of products that enhance the sensory profile and performance of skin and hair care formulations.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong emphasis on R&D for creating innovative and sustainable care ingredients.

  • Implementation of “Next Generation Solutions” contributing to sustainable development.

  • Strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the specialty surfactants space.


5️⃣ 6. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: High-performance CMEA for industrial and consumer applications

Clariant is a focused, sustainable, and innovative specialty chemical company. Its Care Chemicals business provides a range of products, including CMEA, which is used for its excellent thickening and foam-boosting properties in home and personal care products.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to sustainability through its EcoTain® label for premium sustainable products.

  • Investment in bio-based feedstocks and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

  • Tailored solutions to meet specific customer and regulatory requirements globally.


4️⃣ 7. KLK OLEO

Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Key Offering: Oleochemical-based CMEA, including glycerol and non-glycerol types

As part of the KLK Group, KLK OLEO is a leading global oleochemical player. Leveraging its vertical integration from palm oil plantations, the company produces a wide array of oleochemical derivatives, including high-quality CMEA, catering to a global clientele.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Vertically integrated supply chain ensuring traceability and cost competitiveness.

  • Strong commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing (RSPO certifications).

  • Continuous expansion of production capacities to meet growing market demand.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


3️⃣ 8. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: High-purity, specialty-grade CMEA for premium applications

Croda is a world leader in specialty chemicals, with a significant presence in the personal care and home care markets. The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability makes its CMEA products a preferred choice for brands seeking high-performance, premium ingredients.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Ambitious climate-positive targets and a commitment to 100% renewable carbon by 2030.

  • Extensive R&D focused on enhancing product performance and sustainability credentials.

  • Strong customer collaboration to develop tailored solutions for specific market needs.


2️⃣ 9. Stepan Company

Headquarters: Northfield, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: CMEA for household, institutional, and personal care cleaners

Stepan Company is a leading merchant manufacturer of surfactants. The company produces CMEA, which is widely used as a foam booster and viscosity builder in various detergent and personal care formulations, leveraging its strong position in the North American market.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Continuous investment in manufacturing technology to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

  • Development of surfactants based on renewable feedstocks.

  • Strategic focus on expanding its global production capabilities.


1️⃣ 10. Pilot Chemical Company

Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: CMEA and other alkyl alkanolamides under the CALAMIDE® brand

Pilot Chemical is a privately held global leader in the manufacturing of surfactants, disinfectants, and chemical intermediates. The company’s CALAMIDE® brands of alkanolamides, including CMEA, are well-regarded for their performance in enhancing foam and viscosity.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Long-standing expertise and innovation in sulfonation and surfactant chemistry.

  • Commitment to product stewardship and sustainable operations.

  • Strong customer partnerships providing customized technical solutions.

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Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🧪 Outlook: The Future of CMEA is Sustainable and Performance-Driven

The Coco Mono Ethanol Amide market is experiencing a significant transformation. While traditional performance attributes like foam boosting and thickening remain critical, the industry is increasingly driven by demands for bio-based content, supply chain transparency, and enhanced mildness.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for natural and organic personal care products, boosting the need for bio-derived surfactants like CMEA.

  • Increasing regulatory scrutiny on ingredient safety and environmental impact, favoring well-characterized and biodegradable substances.

  • Expansion of the home care market in emerging economies, driving volume growth for cost-effective performance ingredients.

  • Manufacturer focus on vertical integration and sustainable sourcing of raw materials (e.g., RSPO-certified palm kernel oil) to ensure supply security and meet corporate sustainability goals.

Read Full Report:
Coco Mono Ethanol Amide (CMEA) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying a crucial ingredient—they are at the forefront of innovating and sustainably powering the global personal care and home care industries.