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Ingredient dictionary

Ethanolamine

Also listed as: Monoethanolamine, MEA

Ethanolamine is a colorless liquid that works mainly as a base, raising pH and neutralizing acidic ingredients. It is on the label of 1 product in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Ethanolamine does

  • Adjusts a formula's pH level
  • Neutralizes acidic ingredients
  • Helps build soap-based emulsifiers

Ethanolamine is made industrially by reacting ethylene oxide with ammonia. It is closely related to diethanolamine and triethanolamine, two other chemicals with their own label names. In its pure form, it is a strong base, so formulators add only small amounts and check the final pH before a product is finished.

In a finished product, its main job is to set the pH, which is a measure of how acidic or basic a formula is. Some acidic ingredients need balancing to work well. It also reacts with fatty acids, such as stearic acid, to form soap-like emulsifiers that help oil and water blend into a smooth cream. Used this way, it stays mostly behind the scenes.

Good for

Suits creams, lotions and cleansers, where a balanced pH helps the formula stay stable.

Frequently asked questions

Is ethanolamine the same as monoethanolamine?

Yes. On labels, Ethanolamine refers to monoethanolamine, often shortened to MEA. It is different from diethanolamine and triethanolamine, which are related chemicals with their own names.

Why is ethanolamine in some creams and cleansers?

Many skincare ingredients work best within a certain pH range. Ethanolamine helps bring the formula into that range, so the product stays stable. It is added in small, measured amounts.

Products with Ethanolamine

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Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 04:30 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.