MEA-Undecylenate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: UNDECYLENIC ACID MONOETHANOLAMINE, 56532-40-2, Undec-10-enoic acid, Compound with 2-aminoethanol (1:1), MONOETHANOLAMINE UNDECYLENATE, ETHANOL, 10-UNDECENOATE (SALT), MEA-UNDECYLENATE [INCI]
Synthetic
Preservative
Cleanser
Not Clean
Undec-10-enoic acid, compound with 2-aminoethanol (1:1)
Formula
C13H27NO3
Mol. Weight
245.36
CAS #
56532-40-2
Form
Liquid
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Preserves Formula
Cleansing Surfactant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
A synthetic antimicrobial agent developed in the 20th century. Created by combining undecylenic acid (originally derived from castor oil) with MEA to provide antifungal and antibacterial properties in skincare products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.2%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 18.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR