Common Name(s): Dmae tartrate,dimethylaminoethanol tartrate,deanol tartrate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps firm and tone skin with a temporary lifting effect.
Why It's Used: Dmae (dimethylaminoethanol) is a precursor to acetylcholine and a known skin-tightening agent; tartrate salt form improves water solubility and biocompatibility.
How It Works: Dmae may act as an acetylcholine precursor that influences skin tone via neuromuscular pathways; the membrane-stabilizing effect of dmae may cause temporary skin cell swelling and tightening; tartrate salt improves delivery; mechanism remains debated.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,firming products,toning lotions,eye area products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – anti-aging
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,toning,firming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Dmae synthetic; tartaric acid from wine fermentation; semi-natural salt.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate; dmae can cause mild tingling
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: May cause mild tingling on application; avoid in high concentrations; some controversy about long-term effects.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. ewg score: 2–3.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,niacinamide,peptides,antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: Avoid high concentrations; some contraindications with acetylcholine-related conditions
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Dmae's skin firming mechanism is debated: proposed mechanisms include membrane-stabilizing effects causing cell swelling, acetylcholine precursor activity, and anti-inflammatory properties; tartrate salt provides better stability than free dmae base; temporary firming effect widely observed.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary