Ingredient review
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA
INCI: LAURAMIDE/MYRISTAMIDE DEA
An effective foam booster and thickener, but its potential to form nitrosamines makes it a controversial choice in modern formulations.
In plain English
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA is a synthetic ingredient used to make cleansers and shampoos feel thicker and produce more foam. It's a type of surfactant that helps water and oil mix so dirt and oil can be rinsed away. However, it has raised safety concerns because it can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Many brands now avoid it in favor of gentler alternatives.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Lauramide/Myristamide DEA.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A mixture of lauramide DEA and myristamide DEA, which are alkanolamides derived from coconut or palm kernel fatty acids and diethanolamine (DEA). It is a synthetic surfactant and foam booster.
How it works
It increases the viscosity (thickness) of liquid products and stabilizes foam, making cleansers feel richer and more luxurious. It also helps lift dirt and oil from the skin and hair so they can be rinsed away with water.
Pros
Excellent foam booster
Produces a dense, creamy lather that many people associate with effective cleansing.
Improves product texture
Thickens liquid cleansers, giving them a luxurious feel without needing heavy oils or waxes.
Cons and cautions
Potential nitrosamine formation
Can react with nitrites (common contaminants) to form nitrosamines, which are classified as possible human carcinogens.
May irritate sensitive skin
Some individuals experience dryness, itching, or redness, especially with frequent use on compromised skin.
Best for
- People who enjoy rich, foamy cleansers and don't have sensitive skin
- Those looking for affordable, effective cleansing products
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone concerned about potential nitrosamine contamination
Usage tips
Safety summary
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA is considered safe in rinse-off products when properly formulated to avoid nitrosamine formation. However, its potential to cause irritation and its controversial safety profile have led many formulators to choose alternatives. Regulatory bodies have set limits on nitrosamine content to mitigate risk.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed DEA-based ingredients and found them safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to avoid nitrosamine formation. Studies show that pure DEA itself is not a carcinogen, but its reaction products (nitrosamines) can be. Consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns, leading to voluntary phase-outs by many brands.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US and EU, but with restrictions to limit nitrosamine contamination. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires that DEA-based ingredients not be used with nitrosating agents and that the final product contain less than 50 ppb of nitrosamines.
- Common uses
- Shampoos, Body washes, Facial cleansers, Bubble baths
- Environmental note
- Typically derived from palm or coconut oil; palm oil production can contribute to deforestation unless certified sustainable. Biodegradability is moderate.
Good to know
- Many brands have voluntarily phased out DEA-based ingredients due to consumer concerns.
- The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel concluded that DEA-based ingredients are safe when formulated to avoid nitrosamine formation.
- Look for products that are 'nitrosamine-free' or that use alternative thickeners like cocamide MEA or PEG-150 distearate.
Common questions
What is Lauramide/Myristamide DEA in beauty products?
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA is a synthetic ingredient used to make cleansers and shampoos feel thicker and produce more foam. It's a type of surfactant that helps water and oil mix so dirt and oil can be rinsed away. However, it has raised safety concerns because it can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Many brands now avoid it in favor of gentler alternatives.
What does Lauramide/Myristamide DEA do in a beauty product?
It increases the viscosity (thickness) of liquid products and stabilizes foam, making cleansers feel richer and more luxurious. It also helps lift dirt and oil from the skin and hair so they can be rinsed away with water.
Is Lauramide/Myristamide DEA safe for most people?
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA is considered safe in rinse-off products when properly formulated to avoid nitrosamine formation. However, its potential to cause irritation and its controversial safety profile have led many formulators to choose alternatives. Regulatory bodies have set limits on nitrosamine content to mitigate risk.
Who should be careful with Lauramide/Myristamide DEA?
Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone concerned about potential nitrosamine contamination
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.