Acetamide MEA
molecular structure · PubChem
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
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
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
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic humectant in the early 20th century to provide moisture retention in cosmetic formulations, replacing some traditional plant-derived glycerols.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR