Lactamide MEA
AKA “N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)lactamide, 2-Lactamidoethanol, RefChem:473358, 1-hydroxyethane-1-(2'-hydroxyethyl)carbonamide, 2-Hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propanamide, Propanamide, n-lactoyl ethanolamine, Lactic acid monoethanolamide”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Lactamide mea
AKA: N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)lactamide, 2-Lactamidoethanol, RefChem:473358, 1-hydroxyethane-1-(2'-hydroxyethyl)carbonamide, 2-Hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propanamide, Propanamide, N-lactoyl ethanolamine, Lactic acid monoethanolamide
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Chemical Exfoliant
Synthetic
Clean
Locks in moisture and reduces frizz while conditioning hair and skin. Helps products glide smoothly and prevents static buildup.
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
See origin →
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
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic humectant and conditioning agent for cosmetics. Created to provide skin hydration and improve the texture of formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR