Peanutamide Mipa: 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 Mipa?

Peanutamide Mipa is an amide made from the fatty acids naturally present in peanut oil reacted with 2-hydroxypropylamine. The result is a mild, plant-derived surfactant with a pendant hydroxyl group that improves solubility in water-based formulas. Similar fatty acid alkanolamides have been used since the 1950s to boost foam in shampoos and cleansers; the peanut version became popular when brands began looking for renewable ingredients that deliver the same performance as petroleum-based options. Production starts with refined peanut oil. Its triglycerides are split into free fatty acids which then undergo amidation with 2-hydroxypropylamine under controlled heat and vacuum. After purification the finished ingredient appears as a viscous amber liquid or soft paste that dissolves easily in warm water.

Formulators add Peanutamide Mipa to a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products including facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, shaving foams, sheet mask essences, lightweight moisturizers, hair conditioners and some creamy styling products where extra viscosity and stable foam are needed.

Peanutamide Mipa’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multi-tasking ingredient earns its place on an ingredient list by performing several behind-the-scenes jobs that improve a product’s texture feel and cleansing power.

  • Emulsion stabilising – helps keep water and oil mixed so your lotion or cream stays smooth over its entire shelf life
  • Cleansing – lifts away dirt excess oil and makeup without stripping skin or hair thanks to its gentle surfactant nature
  • Emulsifying – enables formulators to blend otherwise incompatible ingredients resulting in a uniform product that spreads evenly
  • Foam boosting – enhances both the volume and stability of lather making washes and shampoos feel richer and more luxurious
  • Viscosity controlling – thickens watery systems just enough to give body washes or conditioners that pleasing cushiony flow without extra gums or salts

Who Can Use Peanutamide Mipa

Most skin and hair types tolerate Peanutamide Mipa well thanks to its mild cleansing action and low irritation profile. Normal, dry, oily and combination skin can all benefit from its balanced foam while sensitive users generally do not report stinging or tightness. The only group that should exercise caution is anyone with a confirmed peanut allergy because even highly refined derivatives may contain trace proteins that could provoke a reaction.

The ingredient is sourced from plant-based peanut oil and contains no animal components so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards as long as the finished formula is free of animal-derived additives.

No studies point to risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on products. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the product to a qualified healthcare provider before adding it to a routine.

Peanutamide Mipa is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not require special sun precautions beyond daily sunscreen use recommended for all skincare.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Peanutamide Mipa differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with peanut allergy
  • Mild skin redness or itching from irritation
  • Transient eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Scalp or hair buildup with very frequent use of rich formulas

If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Peanutamide Mipa is made from fatty acids yet functions primarily as a water-soluble surfactant that gets rinsed away. Its molecular structure is bulkier and more polar than plain oils which means it is less likely to clog pores. Formulas usually include it at low concentrations and in products that wash off, further lowering buildup risk. Because it still derives from peanut oil a minimal possibility of pore blockage exists, so it is given a cautious 1 rather than a perfect 0.

Most people prone to acne should find products with Peanutamide Mipa acceptable, especially in cleansers and shampoos.

Extra note: if the ingredient appears in a heavy leave-on cream alongside other rich emollients overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full formula, not on Peanutamide Mipa alone.

Summary

Peanutamide Mipa stabilises emulsions, boosts foam, thickens watery mixes, emulsifies oils and provides gentle cleansing. It achieves these tasks by combining a fatty tail that interacts with oils and a hydroxylated head that blends with water, letting it sit at the oil-water interface and build stable, cushiony lather.

The ingredient is moderately popular, seen more often in eco-minded or sulfate-free formulas than in mass market lines, mainly because manufacturers still rely on older petroleum-based alkanolamides that are cheaper.

Safety data show low irritation for most users with the main caution being anyone with a peanut allergy. Overall it is considered safe in both rinse-off and leave-on products. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to perform a small patch test when trying a product containing Peanutamide Mipa to rule out personal sensitivity.

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