Monoethanolamine

Monoethanolamine, also called 2-aminoethanol, is a chemical compound from the group of alcohols/amines. The aminal alcohol is used in cooling lubricants, as emulsifier for textile auxiliaries, in water-based printing inks, in cosmetic creams and emulsions and in hair dyes.

Monoethanolamine has an irritant effect on skin and mucous membranes. The irritant effect of the substance appears to be a co-factor which, together with other factors damaging the skin barrier, may cause sensitization in case of frequent and extensive contact (especially in certain metal professions, also in hair dyeing or surface cleaning). The sensitization rate in exposed collectives is about 3.8 %.

There are also indications for the triggering of an allergic bronchial asthma e.g. when using hair care products. This also applies to cleaning personnel who use monoethanolamine surface cleaning agents.

The MEA compounds listed below are used in cosmetic products in various indications:

• Dimethyl MEA (INCI). Function: buffering
• Ethanolamine glycerophosphate (INCI). Function: Skin caring
• Isostearamide MEA (INCI). Isooctadecanamide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-. Function: antistatic, viscosity regulating, foam reducing, surfactant
• MEA-laureth sulfate (INCI). Function, surfactant, cleaning
• Mea-lauryl sulfate (INCI). (2-Hydroxyethyl)ammonium dodecyl sulfate. Function, surfactant, cleaning
• MEA o-phenylphenates (INCI). (1,1'-biphenyl)-2-ol, compound with 2-aminoethanol. Function: Preservative
• Ricinoleamide mea (INCI). Function: antistatic, viscosity regulating, foam reinforcing
• Stearamidoethyl ethanolamine (INCI). Function. antistatic, emulsifying
• Stearamidoethyl ethanolamine phosphates (INCI). Function. antistatic

1. Aalto-Korte K et al.(2013) Contact allergy from metalworking fluid traced to tall oil fatty acids monoethanolamide. Contact dermatitis 69:316-317.
2. Lessmann H et al.(2009) Skin sensitizing properties of the ethanolamines mono-, di-, and triethanolamines. Data analysis of a multicentre surveillance network (IVDK) and review of the literature. Contact dermatitis 60:243-255.
3. Melchior Gerster F et al (2014) Airborne exposures to monoethanolamines, glycol ethers, and benzyl alcohol during professional cleaning: a pilot study. Ann Occupup Hyg 58:846-859.