Lauramide Mea

What is Lauramide Mea?

Lauramide MEA, or N-(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecanamide, is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant formed by amidating lauric acid from coconut or palm kernel oils with monoethanolamine. It appears in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers within the hair care and skin cleansing categories. In formulations, it disrupts surface tension to lift oils and debris for thorough washing, amplifies bubble formation for a luxurious rinse feel, modulates product thickness to prevent separation and ensure smooth application, and neutralizes electrical charges on hair fibers to minimize tangles and frizz. This multifunctional profile supports clear, stable emulsions ideal for daily personal care routines, delivering effective performance with a soft after-feel.

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:

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.

Benefits

Creates abundant, creamy foam that elevates the cleansing experience in washes.

Optimizes product consistency for easier dispensing and even coverage.

Minimizes static buildup, promoting smoother, more manageable hair.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of shampoos seeking enhanced lather and hair detangling.
People with sensitivities to fatty acid amides.
Body wash enthusiasts wanting thicker, stable textures.
Those prone to eye irritation from rinse-off products.
Acne-prone individuals, given its non-comedogenic profile.
Individuals wary of potential impurities in surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Safe in rinse-off cosmetics at typical levels per safety assessments.
  • Low comedogenic potential supports use on blemish-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lauramide Mea

What does Lauramide MEA do in products?

Functions as a surfactant for cleansing, foam booster for lather, viscosity adjuster for texture, and antistatic for hair smoothness.

Is Lauramide MEA comedogenic?

No, it carries a comedogenic rating of 0, suitable for pore-conscious routines.

Who might experience irritation from it?

Rarely, those with amide sensitivities may note mild reactions, especially near eyes.