Acetamide Mea

What is Acetamide Mea?

Acetamide MEA, or N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acetamide, is a synthetic ingredient produced by combining acetamide with monoethanolamine, resulting in a clear, water-soluble liquid. Commonly found in hair care like shampoos and conditioners, as well as skin moisturizers and cleansers, it functions by binding water molecules to maintain hydration in the upper skin layers and hair cuticles. Its molecular structure allows it to lower surface tension, aiding in emulsification and foam formation for better product spreadability. It also neutralizes electrical charges on hair surfaces to prevent flyaways and enhance smoothness. In formulations, it contributes to optimal thickness for user-friendly textures. Safety assessments from cosmetic review panels confirm its compatibility with skin at typical levels, supporting its role in everyday personal care routines without compromising barrier integrity.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-4 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Humectant
Attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum, boosting hydration and plumpness; commonly used in moisturizers, cleansers, and hair conditioners.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Draws moisture to skin and hair for improved hydration and suppleness.

Reduces static and friction for smoother, more manageable hair.

Boosts foam stability and creaminess in shampoos and washes.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or frizzy hair seeking better conditioning.
Those sensitive to ethanolamide derivatives.
People wanting lightweight hydration in daily cleansers.
People with compromised skin barriers.
Users preferring products with enhanced lather and texture.
Individuals experiencing reactions to similar humectants.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic review experts deem it safe in typical formulations.
  • Low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acetamide Mea

What is Acetamide MEA used for?

It acts as a humectant, conditioner, and foam enhancer in hair and skin products.

Is Acetamide MEA safe for skin?

Yes, cosmetic safety reviews confirm it's safe at common concentrations.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low pore-clogging risk.