murphyLactamide MEA
AKA: N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)lactamide, 2-Lactamidoethanol, 1-hydroxyethane-1-(2'-hydroxyethyl)carbonamide, 5422-34-4, 2-Hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propanamide, Propanamide, N-lactoyl ethanolamine, Lactic acid monoethanolamide
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
OriginDerived from monoethanolamine and lactic acid, both petroleum-derived and fermentation-sourced chemicals respectively. Synthesized through amidation reaction between lactic acid and monoethanolamine under controlled conditions.
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...Lactamide MEA...
Solubility Very soluble in water; insoluble in pentane and diethyl ether
Formula
C5H11NO3
Mol. Weight
133.15
CAS #
5422-34-4
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
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.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe with qualifications (when formulated to be nonirritating; not in products where N-nitroso compounds may form)
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–2%
Rinse-off0.2–3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2015
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR