murphyAcetamide MEA
AKA: N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)acetamide, N-Acetylethanolamine, 142-26-7, 2-Acetamidoethanol, Acetylcolamine, 2-Acetylaminoethanol, N-Ethanolacetamide, N-Acetyl-2-aminoethanol
Synthetic
Humectant
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from monoethanolamine and acetic acid, both petroleum-derived chemicals from the synthetic organic chemistry family. Produced through a condensation reaction between monoethanolamine and acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the ethanolamides listed subsequently are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating. The Expert Panel cautioned that these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds may be formed...Acetamide MEA
Solubility SOL IN ALL PROP IN WATER; SOL IN HOT ACETONE; SLIGHTLY SOL IN BENZENE, PETROLEUM ETHER
Formula
C4H9NO2
Mol. Weight
103.12
CAS #
142-26-7
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foam Boosting
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
3 studies / 3 not irritating (CIR 93 and 605)
Not a Sensitizer
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 93 and 605)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
4 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 93 and 605)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.03–8%
Rinse-off0.06–5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2011 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR