Hair Conditioning
DEOXYPHYTANTRIYL PALMITAMIDE MEA
Safety score · 0–100
Caution
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A phytantriol-palmitic-acid amide condensed with monoethanolamine (MEA). The MEA moiety raises nitrosamine-formation concerns; generally deprecated.
Deoxyphytantriyl palmitamide MEA is an amide derivative combining palmitic acid, phytantriol (a hydroxylated terpenoid lipid) and monoethanolamine (MEA). The ethanolamine nitrogen is a secondary amine when amidated, and secondary amines can react with nitrosating agents (nitrites, nitric oxide) to form potentially carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. EU Annex III entry 60 regulates triethanolamine/diethanolamine-type compounds and advises on MEA amide use similarly. California Prop 65 lists several ethanolamine-derived nitrosamines. The cosmetic industry is progressively replacing ethanolamine-amide conditioners with nitrosamine-free alternatives.
Function
Skin benefits
- Lipid conditioning agent with MEA-based head group
Known concerns
- Monoethanolamine (MEA) derivative — secondary-amine nitrosamine-formation pathway
- MEA-containing cosmetics under EU Annex III restrictions in some formats
- Nitrosating agents in formulation can generate N-nitroso-MEA
- Cosmetic industry phasing out ethanolamine amides
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related hair conditionings
Check your shelf
Find DEOXYPHYTANTRIYL PALMITAMIDE MEA in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains DEOXYPHYTANTRIYL PALMITAMIDE MEA and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.