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Understanding MEA in Beauty Products

(Bonus DIY Recipe Included)

MEA, Yet another ingredient commonly found in big box store shampoos and conditioners can negatively impact your health, hair, and scalp. Let's break down MEA.


Ethanolamines, one example being Monoethanolamine (commonly referred to as MEA) are versatile ingredients found in various personal care products, including shampoos and cleansers. a group of compounds made from ethylene oxide and ammonia.


MEA is a clear, colorless liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor, and it’s used in beauty products to adjust the pH and stabilize formulas. You’ll often find it in shampoos, cleansers, and conditioners because it helps blend ingredients and keep the product smooth and effective.


While MEA does make hair products feel smoother and more consistent, it’s worth noting that it isn’t without its risks. MEA belongs to a class of ingredients that, when combined with other certain chemicals, can form nitrosamines—a group of compounds that are known to be carcinogenic (meaning they can potentially cause cancer).

Why Is MEA Used in Hair Products?


MEA serves several purposes that improve a product’s performance. Here’s why it’s often used in shampoos, cleansers, and other hair care products:


  • Acts as a Solubilizer: MEA helps dissolve ingredients that don’t easily mix, like oils and water-based ingredients. This keeps the product’s consistency smooth and well-blended, making it easier to apply.


  • Stabilizes pH Levels: MEA helps control the pH of the product, which is especially important in shampoos and cleansers. Having a balanced pH ensures the product isn’t too acidic or too alkaline, which helps protect the hair and scalp from irritation.


  • Foam Enhancer: MEA can help create a rich lather, which is often desirable in shampoos. While lather doesn’t actually make the product more effective, many people associate more lather with a “cleaner” feeling.


The Potential Side Effects of MEA


Although MEA has its functional uses, it comes with potential health risks that make it less ideal for long-term use, especially if you’re focused on keeping your natural hair healthy. Here are some concerns associated with MEA in hair care products:


Can Form Harmful Nitrosamines

One of the biggest concerns with MEA is that it can form harmful compounds called nitrosamines when it combines with certain preservatives or other chemicals in the product. Nitrosamines are known carcinogens, which means they’ve been linked to cancer in studies. Although nitrosamines aren’t guaranteed to form in every product that contains MEA, the potential is there, especially with long-term use.


Scalp and Skin Irritation

For those with sensitive skin or scalp, MEA can be irritating. It may cause redness, itching, or even rashes, especially if used in high concentrations or if it accumulates on the scalp over time. Natural hair often requires a gentle approach to maintain moisture and scalp health, so irritants like MEA can be counterproductive.


Dryness and Disruption of Natural Oils

MEA’s ability to stabilize pH and blend ingredients can sometimes strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, leaving your curls and coils feeling dry or brittle. This is particularly concerning for natural hair, which needs all the moisture it can get to avoid breakage and frizz.


Long-Term Health Concerns

While the occasional use of a product containing MEA may not be harmful, regular use could increase exposure to potentially harmful compounds. Since nitrosamines are known carcinogens, and MEA could form nitrosamines when combined with certain chemicals, it’s worth considering alternatives to reduce long-term health risks.

Healthier Alternatives to MEA


If you’re looking to avoid MEA in your hair care routine, there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there that are both effective and gentle on your natural hair. Shameless plug, ALL of Nae Nae's Naturals products are chemical-free and plant based!


Here are a few options to consider:


Look for MEA-Free Products

Some brands now specifically label their products as “MEA-free” or “free from ethanolamines.” Checking the label can help you avoid this ingredient altogether. Many natural hair brands are focusing on creating gentle, plant-based formulas that don’t rely on synthetic chemicals like MEA.


Choose Plant-Based Emulsifiers

Plant-based emulsifiers are a great alternative to MEA. They help blend ingredients and create a smooth consistency without the risk of forming harmful nitrosamines. Look for ingredients like:


  • Cetearyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol derived from plants, often used as a gentle thickener and emulsifier.

  • Glyceryl Stearate: Another plant-derived emulsifier that keeps products stable and is safe for sensitive skin and hair.

  • Beeswax or Vegetable Wax: These natural waxes help blend oils and water-based ingredients, creating a consistent product texture.


Use Low-pH Products Without MEA

For pH balance without the risks associated with MEA, look for products that use natural pH adjusters like citric acid or apple cider vinegar. These ingredients help balance the product’s acidity and are less likely to irritate the scalp or cause long-term health concerns.


Opt for Sulfate-Free and Lather-Free Cleansers

If you’re using MEA-containing products for their lather, consider sulfate-free shampoos or cleansing conditioners. These types of products clean the hair without the drying effects of heavy lather and help retain moisture in curly and coily hair types.

Example Product Labels to Look For


Here are some key terms to look for on product labels that indicate a product may be free from MEA and similar compounds:


  • “MEA-free”

  • “Ethanolamine-free”

  • “Plant-based” or “All-natural ingredients”

  • “Sulfate-free” (many sulfate-free products also avoid synthetic chemicals like MEA)



Choosing hair products that keep your natural hair healthy often means understanding which ingredients to avoid and why. Many brands (take mine for example :)) offer safer alternatives that enhance your hair's performance without the hidden dangers of MEA.


MEA (Monoethanolamine) can help improve product performance but also carries risks like skin irritation and, when combined with certain chemicals, the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. If you’re focused on maintaining the health of your curls and coils, it’s worth seeking alternatives that nourish your hair without the potential downsides of MEA.


By using MEA-free products, choosing natural emulsifiers, and even experimenting with DIY options, you can enjoy a hair care routine that’s gentle on both your hair and overall health.


All of Nae Nae's Naturals products and packaging, from shampoos to conditioners and moisturizers, are all natural, MEA-free, and vegan friendly. Even better, our flagship product the Hair Boost is Handmade with 19 all natural essential oils and butters that includes rosemary and vitamin E.


I urge you to make informed choices when selecting beauty products. Opt for natural alternatives to MEA in order to protect your entire body from potential harm. Your beauty regimen should enhance your natural radiance, not compromise your health.


Remember, your hair and body deserve the best care possible, and that includes using products that prioritize your well-being.



BONUS

DIY Natural Hair Cleanser Recipe (MEA-Free)


If you want full control over what goes into your hair care, a DIY cleanser is a simple, natural option. Here’s a recipe for a gentle, MEA-free cleanser you can make at home.


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pure castile soap (unscented)

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (balances pH naturally)

  • 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (for added moisture)

  • 10 drops of tea tree oil (optional, for scalp health)

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for fragrance)


Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a small bottle and shake well to combine.

  2. To use, apply a small amount to wet hair and massage into the scalp, working it through to the ends.

  3. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner or leave-in for added moisture.


This DIY cleanser is sulfate-free, pH-balanced, and gentle, making it ideal for natural hair types. You can customize it with essential oils or other nourishing ingredients to suit your hair’s needs.

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