The chemical cocamide DEA is used in soaps and shampoos to make bubbles.
In 2012, California added it to the list of chemicals known to cause cancer.
Last June, the Center for Environmental Health sued four major companies for exposing consumers to cocamide DEA. More than 100 other manufacturers were asked to stop using the chemical.
The list of toxic ingredients and the companies that use them is available on the California Safe Cosmetics Program website.
Caroline Cox, CEH’s research director, said a growing number of manufacturers have decided to do the right thing.
“We like to see companies taking responsibility for providing customers with a really healthy, quality product. And taking the cocamide DEA out seems to be the best way to do that,” Cox said.
The state of California requires cosmetic companies to report ingredients that are dangerous.
