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Moumoujus

OLEAMIDE DEA.

Questionable CAS 93-83-4 / ANTISTATIC, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Oleamide DEA is a versatile fatty acid alkanolamide utilized primarily as a surfactant and emulsifier. It enhances product texture and cleansing efficacy by boosting foam, stabilizing formulations, and increasing viscosity, while also providing conditioning and antistatic benefits.

Summary

Surfactant/Cleansing Emulsifying Viscosity Increasing Agent Foam Booster Hair Conditioning Antistatic

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning primarily as a surfactant, Oleamide DEA facilitates the breakdown of oils and dirt, leading to effective cleansing and enhanced foam formation in products. It acts as an emulsifier, preventing the separation of oil and water phases to ensure formulation stability. Additionally, it increases product viscosity, contributing to a rich, smooth consistency, and offers supplementary emollient and antistatic properties to moisturize and condition skin and hair.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1–10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated utility as an active ingredient for treating seborrhea and acne when incorporated at concentrations between 1% and 10%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Oleamide DEA exhibits general stability under typical conditions, particularly in neutral, moderately acidic, or moderately alkaline systems. However, it is susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to high concentrations of strong mineral acids or alkalis.

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating agents (potential for carcinogenic nitrosamine formation)
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • High concentrations of mineral acids
  • High concentrations of strong alkalis

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The CIR Expert Panel concluded Oleamide DEA is safe for cosmetic use provided it is formulated to be non-irritating and free diethanolamine levels do not exceed standard practices. Its use with nitrosating agents must be strictly avoided to prevent the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. The EU Cosmetic Regulation permits its use with a maximum secondary amine concentration of 0.5%. Undiluted Oleamide DEA has been identified as a moderate skin irritant in testing, and in some individuals, it may cause mild skin irritation, redness, dryness, or exacerbate dermatitis.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Despite its functional benefits as a surfactant and emulsifier, Oleamide DEA's strict formulation requirements, potential for nitrosamine formation, and documented irritation risk if not properly formulated, render its inclusion in precision skincare questionable.

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