Surfactant cocamide monoethanolamide causes eye irritation by activating nociceptor TRPV1 channels

Cocamide monoethanolamide (CMEA) is commonly used as a surfactant-foam booster in cosmetic formulations. Upon contact with the eye or other sensitive skin areas, CMEA elicits stinging and lasting irritation. We hypothesized a specific molecular interaction with TRPV1 channels by which CMEA caused eye irritation.Eye irritancy was evaluated using eye-wiping tests in rabbits and mice. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and action potentials were...