What Is Methylethanolamine?
Methylethanolamine, also written as 2-methylaminoethanol, is a small organic compound made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. It belongs to a family of ingredients called alkanolamines, which are known for balancing acidity in water-based formulas. First produced for industrial use in the mid-20th century, chemists soon noticed that its gentle pH-adjusting ability could help stabilize skin care products. Today most cosmetic-grade methylethanolamine is created through a controlled reaction between ethylene oxide and methylamine, followed by purification to remove any unwanted by-products.
You are most likely to find methylethanolamine in lotions, creams, face masks, serums and rinse-off cleansers. Brands add it to everything from daily moisturizers to targeted anti-aging treatments whenever they need a steady, skin-friendly pH that keeps the rest of the formula working as intended.
Methylethanolamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Methylethanolamine acts as a buffering agent, meaning it keeps the pH of a product within a narrow, skin-comfortable range. By doing so it helps prevent irritation that can occur when a formula becomes too acidic or too alkaline, keeps active ingredients stable and ensures the product feels the same with every use.
Who Can Use Methylethanolamine
Because it is mainly a pH buffer and not an active treatment, methylethanolamine is generally considered safe for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Its job is to keep a formula balanced rather than act directly on the skin so most people can use products that contain it without trouble. If your skin is extremely reactive or prone to contact allergies you may still want to keep an eye on how your skin feels, as you would with any new ingredient.
Methylethanolamine is a synthetic compound not derived from animals so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are involved in its standard cosmetic production process which makes it a cruelty-free choice as well.
There is no published evidence showing that topical methylethanolamine poses a unique risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a healthcare professional just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase sun sensitivity so it does not make skin more prone to burning. Of course regular daytime sunscreen use is still a good idea for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical methylethanolamine can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential reactions and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used at the low levels found in finished cosmetic products.
- Mild stinging or burning on very sensitive skin
- Temporary redness or warmth at the application site
- Dryness if the product is overused or layered with many other pH-adjusting agents
- Contact dermatitis in those who are allergic to alkanolamines
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. Methylethanolamine is a tiny, water-soluble molecule that does not leave an oily or waxy film on the skin. Since clogged pores are usually triggered by heavier, oil-rich ingredients, this lightweight buffer is considered non-comedogenic and should not contribute to blackheads or breakouts. Because of that it is generally suitable for acne-prone skin. Very sensitive or compromised skin could still react to the overall formula if other pore-clogging ingredients are present, so always check the full ingredient list.
Summary
Methylethanolamine’s main job in cosmetics is to act as a buffering agent, keeping a product’s pH steady so active ingredients remain stable and comfortable on the skin. It does this by gently neutralizing excess acidity or alkalinity whenever the formula drifts out of its ideal range. While effective at what it does, the ingredient is not a headline grabber and is used quietly behind the scenes rather than promoted as a key selling point.
Existing safety data shows it is well tolerated at the low levels found in skin care. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains methylethanolamine or any other unfamiliar ingredient.