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Ethanolamine
Ethanolamine
High concern
Ethanolamine is a known irritant of skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The EU SCCS has restricted concentrations in cosmetics.
Found in
12 products
What it is
2-Aminoethanol (MEA); a small amine used as a pH adjuster, surfactant precursor, and emulsifier.
Cosmetic/personal-care ingredient and indirect food-contact substance; not approved as a direct food additive.
Why it's flagged
- respiratory and skin irritant
- not a food ingredient
- potential nitrosamine formation when combined with nitrosating agents
What regulators actually say
"Ethanolamine: Potential symptoms include irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs; dermatitis. NIOSH recommended exposure limit: 3 ppm (8 mg/m3) TWA."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved as a direct food additive; some indirect food-contact uses
European Union — EFSA
Not evaluated as a food additive; cosmetic use restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation
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