Sunfloweramide 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: June 30, 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 Sunfloweramide Mea?

Sunfloweramide Mea is a plant based ingredient made from the fatty acids found in Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) seed oil that have been reacted with monoethanolamine. The result is a group of gentle compounds called ethanolamides that easily blend with water and oil. First explored in the 1990s as a more skin friendly option to coconut or palm sourced ethanolamides, it quickly caught on with formulators looking for renewable choices.

Production starts with pressing sunflower seeds to get the oil, splitting that oil into its fatty acids then combining those acids with monoethanolamine under controlled heat. The finished material is a pale, creamy liquid that is easy to pump and measure.

Thanks to its mild nature and versatility, Sunfloweramide Mea shows up in face and body washes, bubble baths, shampoos, shaving creams, liquid hand soaps, clay or cream masks, and even rich cleansers aimed at mature skin. Anywhere a brand wants a soft, creamy lather without harshness this ingredient is a strong candidate.

Sunfloweramide Mea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Below are the main roles Sunfloweramide Mea plays in personal care formulas

  • Cleansing – helps lift away dirt, oil and product buildup while staying gentle on the skin barrier
  • Foam Boosting – increases the volume and stability of bubbles so cleansers feel lush and satisfying during use
  • Viscosity Controlling – thickens liquid products, allowing brands to create a rich texture that stays on the hand or face instead of running off

Who Can Use Sunfloweramide Mea

Thanks to its mild cleansing action and plant origin, Sunfloweramide Mea suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its gentle surfactant profile keeps the skin barrier happy so even sensitive skin typically tolerates it, though anyone with a known ethanolamide allergy should avoid it.

The ingredient is derived solely from sunflower seed oil and monoethanolamine, both plant sourced, so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards without animal by-products or testing mandated specifically for it.

No published data suggest that Sunfloweramide Mea poses a special risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review all skincare choices with a qualified healthcare professional before use.

Sunfloweramide Mea does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity. It is also free of soy, gluten and nut proteins which makes it a handy alternative for people watching those allergens.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical ingredients differ so the effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when Sunfloweramide Mea is used in a well formulated product.

  • Transient skin irritation such as mild stinging or burning, usually at very high use levels
  • Redness or itching linked to allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to ethanolamides
  • Eye irritation or watering if the raw material contacts the eyes in an undiluted state
  • Dryness when paired with aggressive surfactants in a formula that has not been properly balanced with moisturizers

If any discomfort or reaction develops discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5 – Sunfloweramide Mea is made from water loving ethanolamides that rinse off easily, leaving very little fatty residue behind. Because it does not remain on the skin in meaningful amounts it has a low chance of clogging pores. This makes it generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. Only in exceptionally heavy leave-on formulations would the risk of congestion rise, which is uncommon for this ingredient.

Summary

Sunfloweramide Mea serves three main roles in cosmetics: it lifts away dirt and oil for effective cleansing, boosts foam so washes feel rich and satisfying and thickens liquids for a pleasing, non-runny texture. It accomplishes these tasks by pairing the oil attracted part of sunflower fatty acids with the water attracted monoethanolamine side, creating a surfactant that works well across a range of pH levels and product formats.

While not as famous as coconut derived ingredients, Sunfloweramide Mea is gaining traction among brands focused on plant sourced and milder alternatives. Its gentle profile, ease of formulation and sustainable origin keep it on the radar of indie and larger companies alike.

Current safety data show a low risk of irritation or sensitivity for most users when formulas are balanced correctly. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a quick patch test before full use to make sure your skin gets along with all the ingredients involved.

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