DEA Stearate
AKA “Diethanolamine Stearate, DEA Monostearate”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Dea stearate
AKA: Diethanolamine Stearate, DEA Monostearate
Ingredient · Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
DEA Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
111-41-1
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant derived from stearic acid and diethanolamine. Adopted by the cosmetics industry as an emulsifier and thickening agent to replace natural soap-based formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR