Definition:
Ethanolamine
Ethanolamine (MEA) is a cleaning agent that can also be found in cosmetics. It removes dirt and deposits by helping to dissolve greasy soils. It can also be used as a pH adjuster that alters the pH of a product so it will be more compatible with the container in which it is packaged. The pH of a formula can affect how long it lasts in a container, for example limiting its tendency to corrode an aluminum or steel can. You might have heard that ethanolamine, which is also known as MEA, was associated in a study a few years back with occupational asthma. But that claim is unfounded. Both SC Johnson and government agencies have reviewed MEA and there is no clinical evidence to indicate that it causes asthma. Additionally, MEA is a common substance in the environment and in fact is created by our own bodies -- it's essential in forming the membranes that make up our cell walls. For these reasons, we continue to believe it is acceptable for use, and importantly it’s a key ingredient that helps our products give the performance you expect.
Interested in researching ingredients? Here are some commonly used sources.
We make ingredient choices based on scientific research and our own scientists’ expertise and perspective. But even scientists sometimes disagree about how or where certain ingredients should be used. We encourage anyone with questions to read up on areas of debate. That way, you can make the choices you feel are best for your family. Here are independent sources – both consumer and scientific – spanning various industries that use ingredients similar to ours:
