PALMITAMIDE MEA
Palmitamide MEA is palmitoylethanolamide, an amide made from palmitic acid and ethanolamine. It is a defined substance, also known as palmitic acid monoethanolamide; it is not a palm extract or a broad, unspecified blend of amides.
PALMITAMIDE MEA: what it is
Palmitamide MEA is palmitoylethanolamide, an amide made from palmitic acid and ethanolamine. It is a defined substance, also known as palmitic acid monoethanolamide; it is not a palm extract or a broad, unspecified blend of amides.
The "palmit-" part of the name refers to the chain derived from palmitic acid, while "MEA" points to the monoethanolamine attached to it. That combination distinguishes it from similarly named ingredients that may contain a different fatty chain or a different molecule joined to the amide.
PALMITAMIDE MEA: what it does in cosmetics
In shampoos, liquid cleansers, and similar wash-off products, Palmitamide MEA can boost foam and help set viscosity. In everyday terms, that can support a more noticeable foam while the product is being used and help it keep a consistency that pours and spreads in a more controlled way; it does not make the ingredient a cleanser on its own.
Its antistatic classification is particularly relevant to hair products, where it relates to reducing static electricity that can leave strands flyaway. One clinical study located assessed a cream containing ceramides, glycyrrhetinic acid, grape-seed extract, and other components; because it tested that combination, its results do not show that Palmitamide MEA alone treats dermatitis or any other condition.
PALMITAMIDE MEA: conditions and care
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment for ethanolamides limits its conclusion to non-irritating formulations and advises against use where N-nitroso compounds could form.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
