Ingredient
Oleamide DEA
Oleamide DEA is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Oleic Acid Diethanolamide
- N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oleamide
- Oleyl Diethanolamide
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Oleamide DEA and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
- Carcinogen concern
Oleamide DEA is a diethanolamine compound used to control viscosity in cosmetic products. DEA compounds are absorbed through skin and have raised significant toxicological concerns from regulatory bodies worldwide. The primary concern during pregnancy is the potential for DEA compounds to form N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic. Animal studies have shown DEA can interfere with fetal brain development by blocking choline absorption, an essential nutrient for neural development. A study published by the National Toxicology Program found that topical DEA application during pregnancy in mice resulted in developmental effects on offspring. The FDA has stated concerns about DEA absorption through skin. Given the evidence of potential developmental effects and carcinogenic potential, most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding DEA compounds during pregnancy. The EU has restricted DEA use in cosmetics, and California requires warning labels. Pregnant women should choose products formulated without DEA compounds, particularly for leave-on products or items used daily.
Oleamide DEA and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
DEA compounds like Oleamide DEA are absorbed through skin and can accumulate in tissues. The lipophilic nature of DEA compounds suggests potential for transfer to breast milk, though specific studies on human milk transfer are limited. The concerns about carcinogenic potential from NDELA formation and the documented effects on choline metabolism raise safety issues for breastfeeding. Choline is critical for infant brain development, and substances that interfere with choline absorption could theoretically affect breastfed infants. The FDA's expressed concerns about DEA absorption and the EU's restrictions on DEA compounds support a cautious approach. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists recommend avoiding DEA compounds during breastfeeding due to potential infant exposure through milk and the unresolved safety concerns. Many safer alternatives exist for viscosity control in cosmetics.
Oleamide DEA and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Irritant
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concerns with Oleamide DEA are the same as for the general population: potential carcinogenic effects from NDELA formation and skin irritation. Without the added concern of infant exposure through breast milk, the risk level decreases slightly. However, the broader health concerns about DEA compounds remain. Given that safer alternatives are widely available and many manufacturers are reformulating to remove DEA compounds, choosing products without DEA is a prudent decision regardless of reproductive status.
Oleamide DEA and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Builds up in tissue
For women trying to conceive, the concerns about DEA compounds include potential endocrine disruption and the demonstrated effects on fetal development in animal studies. While you're not yet pregnant, minimizing exposure to substances with documented developmental toxicity is a prudent approach when planning conception. The evidence showing DEA's effects on choline metabolism and fetal brain development in animal studies suggests that reducing exposure before pregnancy may be beneficial. Many fertility specialists recommend avoiding known endocrine disruptors and potential developmental toxicants when trying to conceive.
Oleamide DEA and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
Oleamide DEA is a DEA compound that has shown endocrine-disrupting potential in animal studies. For women with PCOS who are managing hormonal imbalances, exposure to potential endocrine disruptors is a reasonable concern. While specific research on DEA compounds and PCOS doesn't exist, the broader concern about endocrine disruption and the existing restrictions on DEA compounds in cosmetics suggest that women with PCOS may benefit from choosing products without these ingredients. Given the hormonal sensitivity in PCOS and the availability of safer alternatives for viscosity control in cosmetics, avoiding DEA compounds is a reasonable precautionary measure.
Oleamide DEA and general use
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Irritant
Oleamide DEA is a diethanolamine compound used to control product viscosity and stabilize foam in cleansers and shampoos. DEA compounds have been the subject of regulatory scrutiny due to health concerns. The primary concern is that DEA can react with other ingredients to form N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The FDA has expressed concerns about DEA absorption through skin, and animal studies have shown potential for liver and kidney toxicity. DEA compounds can also cause skin and eye irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals. California requires warning labels on products containing DEA or NDELA under Proposition 65, and the EU has restricted DEA use in cosmetics. Many major cosmetic manufacturers have reformulated products to remove DEA compounds due to these concerns. For the general public, choosing products without DEA compounds is advisable, especially for items used daily or left on skin.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Oleamide DEA, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
Download on theApp Store