An alkaline pH adjuster.
What it is
Ethanolamine (2-aminoethanol, MEA) is a small organic amine and alcohol. It is alkaline and is used to raise or buffer the pH of a formula. CosIng lists its function as buffering.
Where it is used
Found mainly in oxidative hair colours, including ammonia-free ones, and in some perming and cleansing products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
It is listed in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009; see the EU regulation section for the applicable limits. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Buffering
- Stabilising the pH of an aqueous medium in a narrow range even if an acid or base is added. Altering and/or maintaining a cosmetic product's pH at the desired level.
EU regulation
EU · Annex III, entry 61Monoalkylamines, monoalkanolamines and their salts
- Maximum concentration
- Maximum secondary amine content: 0.5%
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Products with this ingredient (44)
- BLONDME Lift & Blend Sand 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- IGORA ZERO AMM 1-0 Schwarz 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- IGORA VIBRANCE Klarton 0-00 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- IGORA VIBRANCE 7-42 Mittelblond Beige Asch 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- IGORA ROYAL Absolutes 8-01 Hellblond Natur Cendré 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- IGORA ROYAL Highlifts 10-21 Ultrablond Asch Cendré 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- BLONDME Lifting Eis 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- BLONDME Bleach & Tone Asch Additive 60 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- Nanolash step 1 lift · Nanolash
- Black Hair Dye Shampoo · Meidu
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Saç Boyası 73 Şampanya Sarısı · REVLON
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Saç Boyası 44 Orta Kızıl Kahve · REVLON