INCI page

LAURAMIDE MEA

Last update on Feb 6, 2025
Lauramide MEA is a surfactant, commonly known as a cosmetic 'detergent ingredient'. It is widely used in various cosmetics and personal care products. It allows oil and water-based components to mix well in a formulation and create stable products. This emulsifying agent prevents the separation of other ingredients in a formulation. As a result, the product can be used for longer durations. Lauramide MEA is also a cleansing, foam boosting, and viscosity controlling agent. In hair care, it acts as an antistatic agent and reduces electrostatic charges between shafts. Lauramide MEA appears as a white, waxy solid at room temperature. Its chemical formula is C14H29NO2.
CAS Number: 142-78-9Chem/IUPAC Name: N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)dodecanamideEINECS/ELINCS No: 205-560-1COSING REF No: 34876

Products with LAURAMIDE MEA

See all products
With samples available

Foamid LME

by Alzo International

INCI: LAURAMIDE MEA
  • Sustainable option
See the product

ERCAMID LM V

by Wilmar International

INCI: LAURAMIDE MEA | MYRISTAMIDE MEA
  • Sustainable option
See the product

What is LAURAMIDE MEA used for?

Lauramide Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a fatty acid amide serving many purposes in the beauty industry. It is a potent surfactant that enhances the foaming and lathering properties of a product. This allows for a more pleasant cleansing experience. It controls the viscosity by thickening formulations and improving the texture of cosmetic products. This ingredient also acts as an emulsifier and helps oil and water-based components to mix well in a formulation. As a conditioning agent, Lauramide MEA helps give hair and skin a soft, smooth feel. It is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, lotions, and makeup removers.

Origin

Lauramide MEA is obtained by the reaction between lauric acid (derived from coconut oil) and monoethanolamine (MEA). It is done in the presence of a catalyst. The ingredient is purified to remove impurities and make it suitable for use in cosmetics.

What does LAURAMIDE MEA do in a formulation?

ANTISTATIC|
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
FOAM BOOSTING|
FOAMING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SMOOTHING|
SURFACTANT|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Safety Profile

Lauramide MEA is safe for use at low concentrations. At higher concentrations, Lauramide MEA may cause allergies or irritation. This is particularly common in leave-on products where prolonged skin contact occurs. It may also cause clogged pores and acne breakouts when used on very oily skin. Patch testing before full application is necessary for the safe usage of this ingredient.

LAURAMIDE MEA alternatives

LAURAMIDE MEA technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 410.5 ± 28.0°C
Melting Point 88 - 89°C
Solubility Slightly soluble in water
Viscosity Moderate

Formulations with LAURAMIDE MEA

No data available

By Application

No data available