ETHANOLAMINES

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Emulsifier, surfactant
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Personal care products including hair care products

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ETHANOLAMINES

Ethanolamines help to remove dirt and oil from the skin and dissolve grease.

WHAT ARE ETHANOLAMINES?

Ethanolamines are made by chemically reacting ethylene oxide and ammonia. The two most common types found in personal care products are monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA). 

MEA is a clear, colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It serves as a surfactant, a hair fixative and a preservative. It is commonly found in hair gels and hair sprays to help hair stay in place or in other hair care products to maintain shelf life. DEA is an emulsifier to help products foam or have a creamy consistency. It can also adjust pH level. DEA is common in cleansers, shampoos and body washes. 

ARE ETHANOLAMINES SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Ethanolamines can be used in all skin types but those with sensitive skin or eczema-prone skin can get more dryness and irritation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None

Sources:

Grossman R. The role of dimethylaminoethanol in cosmetic dermatology. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6(1):39-47. 

Rockenfeller P, Carmona-Gutierrez D, Pietrocola F, Kroemer G, Madeo F. Ethanolamine: A novel anti-aging agent. Mol Cell Oncol. 2015 Mar 19;3(1):e1019023.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum SPF 50

La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT Mattifying Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, FAAD

Author

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD is an ASDS fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist who is an associate professor in dermatology and the Director of Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic. She did her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic and an ASDS fellowship in Moh’s micrographic surgery, lasers and cosmetic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, MA. She has presented at both local and national professional meetings and has authored numerous book chapters in dermatologic textbooks including editing a book on Platelet Rich Plasma and published many articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is actively involved in numerous organizations including the Women’s Dermatologic Society, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons, Ohio Dermatological Association, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.