The monoethanolamide of stearic acid, used as a foam booster and thickener.
What it is
Stearamide MEA is N-(2-hydroxyethyl)octadecanamide, the amide formed from stearic acid and monoethanolamine. It is a waxy solid. CosIng lists it as an antistatic, foam-boosting and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as shampoos and cleansers.
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.
The INCI name does not reveal the source of the stearic acid.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Surfactant – foam boosting
- Increasing foaming capacity and/or stabilize foams in general.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.