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STEAROYL STEARAMIDE MEA.

Valuable CAS 253871-44-2 / HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN PROTECTING

Stearoyl Stearamide MEA is a versatile conditioning and structuring agent frequently utilized in cosmetic formulations. It primarily functions to modify product texture by increasing viscosity and contributes to a smooth, soft feel to both skin and hair. Beyond its textural benefits, it also acts as a foam booster and an antistatic agent.

Viscosity Controlling Emollient Foam Booster Antistatic Agent Emulsifying Agent Dispersing Agent

Science

This ingredient operates as a viscosity regulator, effectively enhancing the thickness of the aqueous phase in cosmetic products. It contributes to improved foam volume and stability and acts as an antistatic agent to reduce static charges. Additionally, it provides conditioning properties, leaving the skin and hair feeling smooth and soft, and serves as an emulsifying and dispersing agent within formulations.


Research

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A clinical cumulative irritation study utilizing Stearamide MEA demonstrated slight irritation at a 5% concentration.
  2. 02 An aqueous solution (1%) of a formulation containing 17% Stearamide MEA elicited questionable reactions in 7 subjects and mild reactions in 3 subjects out of 19 participants in a single-insult occlusive patch test.
  3. 03 In animal studies, a formulation with 17% Stearamide MEA exhibited a primary irritation score of 1/8 in rabbits and was classified as a moderate ocular irritant.
  4. 04 Stearamide DIBA-Stearate (a related compound) at a 5.27% concentration was found to be non-toxic to rats with daily topical application over 13 weeks and did not induce sensitization in a clinical study.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

Stearoyl Stearamide MEA is a functional ingredient primarily used for its emulsifying, viscosity-controlling, and conditioning properties, rather than as an active ingredient with a specific 'dusting threshold' for clinical efficacy on skin conditions.


The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient is generally insoluble in water and most organic solvents at room temperature. It can be dissolved in ketones, alcohols, and aromatic solvents when heated to their boiling points. While approximately 50 µg/ml soluble in PBS (pH 7.2), aqueous solutions are not recommended for storage beyond one day due to stability concerns.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating systems (potential for N-nitroso compound formation)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
17%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessed Stearamide MEA (a closely related compound for which safety data is available) as safe for use in rinse-off products. For leave-on products, it is deemed safe at concentrations that restrict the release of free ethanolamines to 5%, with a maximum use concentration of 17%. It is crucial to avoid using this ingredient in cosmetic products where N-nitroso compounds could potentially form due to nitrosation processes.


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Valuable

Stearoyl Stearamide MEA is a valuable functional ingredient that enhances product texture, stability, and provides conditioning, provided that formulation adheres to safety restrictions regarding concentration limits and the avoidance of N-nitrosating systems.


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