Stearamide Mea

Benefits
Softening

What is Stearamide Mea?

Stearamide MEA is a fatty alkanolamide derived from stearic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils or animal fats, chemically combined with monoethanolamine. This creates a non-ionic compound with amphiphilic properties, making it ideal for personal care formulations, particularly rinse-off products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers. It functions by lowering surface tension to facilitate oil-water mixing for effective cleansing and emulsification. As a foam booster, it generates creamy, stable lather for a luxurious feel. It also thickens formulations for better stability and spreadability, while providing a conditioning film on hair and skin surfaces to reduce static and enhance smoothness during use.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 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

Provides softening effect on skin and hair for improved manageability.

Enhances foam quality and stability in wash-off products.

Controls viscosity to optimize texture and application ease.

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 antistatic conditioning.
People with known allergies to fatty acid amides.
Users preferring creamy lather in shampoos and body washes.
Individuals sensitive to ethanolamine-derived compounds.
Those needing mild surfactants in daily cleansing routines.
Those preferring silicone-free or minimalist formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1-1.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stearamide Mea

What is Stearamide MEA used for?

It serves as a surfactant, foam booster, viscosity controller, and antistatic agent in shampoos, body washes, and conditioners.

Is Stearamide MEA safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it carries a low hazard rating and is considered safe in rinse-off products by regulatory reviews.

Does it cause breakouts?

No, with a comedogenic rating of 0, it is unlikely to clog pores.