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Ethanolamine in Personal Care Products

Ethanolamine in Personal Care Products

Ethanolamine, also known as 2-aminoethanol or monoethanolamine (MEA), is highly regarded in the personal care industry for its wide range of applications and excellent properties.

It may come as a surprise to many that ethanolamines are extremely common in our daily lives, especially in personal care products. But when we take a closer look at the properties of this compound and its role in product formulation, its wide range of uses is easy to understand.

Ethanolamine contains both hydroxyl and amino groups, giving it unique chemical properties that make it indispensable in a wide range of applications. Its function as a base, emulsifier and surfactant has led to its use in a wide range of personal care and other products in a variety of roles.

What is ethanolamine?

Ethanolamine (2-aminoethanol, monoethanolamine, ETA or MEA) is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOCH2CH2NH2 or C2H₇NO. The molecule is bifunctional and contains both a primary amine and a primary alcohol.

Ethanolamine has a specific odor similar to ammonia, and it is a compound that functions as both a diamine and an alcohol. This compound exists not only on Earth but also in certain asteroids. In 2021, the presence of ethanolamine molecules in interstellar space was also discovered.

Ethanolamine helps in the formation of cell membranes and is an essential part of life. In addition to this, ethanolamine is commonly found in floor and tile cleaners as well as laundry detergents and is effective in removing dirt, grease, and stains. Also, ethanolamine can help remove contaminants from gasoline. In chemical manufacturing plants, ethanolamine is used as a plasticizer and can remove carbon dioxide from ammonia to produce ammonia.

How is ethanolamine produced?

Monoethanolamine is prepared by reacting ethylene oxide with ammonia. This reaction also produces diethanolamine and triethanolamine, and the stoichiometry of the reactants adjusts the ratio of the products.

Ethanolamine is produced by reacting 1 mole of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of ammonia. Typically, ethylene oxide reacts with ammonia in an intermittent process to produce about one-third of the crude mixture, including ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. After separation, single components of varying purity can be obtained.

Uses of Ethanolamines in Industry

Ethanolamine is used as an emulsifier and dispersant in the manufacture of a wide range of specialty textiles, agrochemicals, waxes, mineral and vegetable oils, paraffin waxes, polishes, cutting oils, petroleum demulsifiers and cement additives. It is also an intermediate in resins, plasticizers, and rubber additives. In addition, ethanolamine is used as a lubricant in the textile industry and as a moisturizer and softener for leather, as well as an alkalizing agent and surfactant in pharmaceuticals, an absorbent for acidic gases, and an important component in organic synthesis.

Applications in the field of personal care industry

Ethanolamine is used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products, such as eyeliners, mascaras, eye shadows, blushes, primers and foundations, as well as perfumes, hair care products, hair dyes, curling kits, shaving products, sunscreens, and skin care and skin cleansing products. In addition, ethanolamine is used in certain perms and hair dyes.

Interesting Facts about Ethanolamine

Ethanolamine is a compound known as an "amino alcohol," which has both amine and alcohol structural characteristics. This special dual property allows it to interact with other chemicals in a variety of ways, making it extremely versatile.

Ethanolamine is not only used in industry; it is also an important molecule in biology. It is an essential component of phospholipids, which are part of the cell membranes of all living organisms.

In 2019, the Rosetta spacecraft detected the presence of ethanolamine on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This discovery is of great significance because comets are considered to be the preservers of chemical features in the early solar system.