Peanutamide Mea: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Peanutamide Mea?

Peanutamide Mea is a plant-derived ingredient made by joining fatty acids from peanut oil with monoethanolamine, creating an N-2-hydroxyethyl amide. The process is fairly straightforward: refined peanut oil is split into fatty acids, these acids are then reacted with monoethanolamine under controlled heat, and the result is a creamy liquid that blends smoothly into water or oil. Chemists began using similar amides in the mid-20th century to replace harsher soap-based surfactants, and the peanut version followed as manufacturers looked for new vegetable sources that could offer mildness and rich foam.

This ingredient shows up most often in rinse-off products such as shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes and bubble baths. You can also spot it in lotions, light creams, shaving foams and some leave-on hair conditioners where stable texture and a touch of extra thickness are wanted.

Peanutamide Mea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Peanutamide Mea earns its place on an ingredient list by performing several helpful jobs

  • Emulsion stabilising: Keeps oil and water mixed so the product does not separate during storage or daily use, giving you a consistent texture every time you dispense it
  • Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without stripping the skin or hair, leaving a fresh comfortable feel
  • Emulsifying: Helps bring together otherwise incompatible ingredients which allows formulators to add both nourishing oils and refreshing water-based actives in one product
  • Foam boosting: Enhances the volume and creaminess of lather in washes and shampoos making the product feel richer and more satisfying to use
  • Viscosity controlling: Adds body and thickness so gels, washes and creams feel substantial rather than runny which improves ease of application and perceived quality

Who Can Use Peanutamide Mea

Peanutamide Mea is generally gentle enough for normal, dry, oily and combination skin thanks to its mild cleansing action and ability to add a soft cushion of foam without stripping natural oils. Most sensitive skin types also tolerate it well, though anyone with a known peanut allergy should steer clear because trace proteins from the original oil could linger and trigger a reaction.

Because the ingredient comes from plant-based peanut oil and contains no animal-derived additives it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers commonly choose it as a botanical alternative to animal fatty acid amides.

No data suggest special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Peanutamide Mea is applied topically in rinse-off or leave-on formulas. That said this information is not medical advice. If you are expecting or nursing run any skincare or haircare product past your doctor to be on the safe side.

The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so there is no need to adjust sun protection habits beyond standard daily SPF use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Skin responses can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are potential side effects from topical use of Peanutamide Mea and are unlikely to represent the typical experience when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with peanut allergy
  • Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in very sensitive skin
  • Eye stinging if the product accidentally enters the eyes
  • Build-up or heaviness on fine hair when used in high concentrations

If any discomfort or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Peanutamide Mea scores low because it is an amide surfactant that mainly stays on the surface and rinses away instead of soaking into pores. Its molecular structure is bulkier than plain peanut oil so it is less likely to clog follicles. This makes it generally acceptable for acne prone skin provided the rest of the formula is also non clogging. Very oily complexions may still want to monitor how their skin responds, especially in leave on products.

Formulators often pair it with light non occlusive ingredients which helps keep overall comedogenicity down.

Summary

Peanutamide Mea stabilises emulsions, cleanses, boosts foam, emulsifies oil and water and thickens formulas. It achieves these tasks by surrounding oil droplets with its hydrophilic and lipophilic parts, lifting grime through mild surfactant action and increasing viscosity via its long fatty chain.

It is not a household name like glycerin or hyaluronic acid but it sees steady use in shampoos, body washes and lighter creams where a plant based foam booster is desired.

Current safety data show it is low risk for most users apart from those with peanut allergy. Still, skin can be unpredictable so do a quick patch test any time you introduce a new product that features this ingredient.

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