Methylethanolamine

INCI: METHYLETHANOLAMINE

CAS Number
109-83-1 .pdf)
Function
pH adjuster, buffering agent .pdf)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status restricted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed - not specifically prohibited or restricted; FDA guidance addresses nitrosamine contamination in cosmetics generally

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

The primary concern is nitrosamine formation - methylethanolamine is a secondary amine that can react with nitrosating agents to form potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines; also a mild skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations. A small, water-soluble secondary amine (2-(methylamino)ethanol) used to adjust pH in formulations where stronger bases like sodium hydroxide or MEA (monoethanolamine) may be excessive; lower molecular weight provides efficient alkalinity but the secondary amine ...

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Concern Level: High

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methylethanolamine safe in cosmetics?

The primary concern is nitrosamine formation - methylethanolamine is a secondary amine that can react with nitrosating agents to form potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines; also a mild skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations. A small, water-soluble secondary amine (2-(methylamino)ethanol) used to adjust pH in formulations where stronger bases like sodium hydroxide or MEA (monoethanolamine) may be excessive; lower molecular weight provides efficient alkalinity but the secondary amine ... The EU classifies Methylethanolamine as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methylethanolamine allowed in the EU?

Methylethanolamine EU regulatory status: restricted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methylethanolamine do in cosmetics?

Methylethanolamine functions as: pH adjuster, buffering agent .pdf). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 109-83-1 .pdf).

What is the Margin of Safety for Methylethanolamine?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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