Stearic acid monoethanolamide

Stearic acid monoethanolamide (CAS 111-57-9) is a fatty acid amide derived from stearic acid and ethanolamine, also known by the abbreviations SEA and stearoyl-EA and supplied under trade names including Marlamid M 18 and AM-1105. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified within the amide subgroup of industrial amines.

In personal care formulations, it functions as an emulsifier and rheology modifier by orienting at oil-water interfaces and structuring the continuous phase, contributing to cream viscosity and stability. In pharmaceutical topical preparations, it supports consistent active ingredient distribution across emulsion systems without acting as the primary active itself.

Stearic acid monoethanolamide is supplied as a crystalline solid and is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU market placement. Procurement teams should confirm supplier documentation for cosmetic-grade compliance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and request safety data sheets aligned with current GHS standards.