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Oleoylethanolamide (OEA)

Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) suppliers and sourcing guide

Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a fatty acid ethanolamide, the amide of oleic acid and ethanolamine, which occurs in small amounts in foods such as oats, nuts and cocoa. Commercial OEA is made by reacting oleic acid or an oleic ester with ethanolamine, then purifying by crystallization. It is a white to off-white waxy powder that does not dissolve in water, sold at stated purities for capsules, often micronized or blended with flow agents.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
OEA · N-Oleoylethanolamine · (Z)-N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)octadec-9-enamide · Oleic acid ethanolamide
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of oleoylethanolamide (oea)

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • High-purity powder

    OEA at a stated purity, commonly 85% to 98%, with the remainder mostly related fatty acid ethanolamides.

  • Micronized grades

    Milled to a small particle size for better dispersion in capsules and powders.

  • Carrier blends

    OEA blended with silica, starch or other carriers to make the waxy powder flow on encapsulation equipment.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

OEA assay
OEA content by HPLC or GC against a reference standard.
Related ethanolamides and free fatty acid
Palmitoylethanolamide, stearoylethanolamide, linoleoylethanolamide and free oleic acid by HPLC or GC, which reflect the fatty acid feedstock.
Free ethanolamine
Unreacted ethanolamine, a process residue, by GC or titration.
Residual solvents
Crystallization solvents by headspace GC.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, and absence of Salmonella and E. coli.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep OEA sealed and protected from heat, light and air; the double bond in the oleoyl chain can oxidize, and the waxy powder can soften or clump when warm. Store in a cool, dry place. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record OEA purity and the related ethanolamide profile for each lot, since feedstock oleic acid purity changes it. Check particle size on micronized grades if flow problems appear.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • The EU Novel Food Catalogue entry for oleoylethanolamide (OEA), identified as (Z)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)octadec-9-enamide, carries the status not yet authorised novel food.

    Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking oleoylethanolamide (oea) suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of oleoylethanolamide (oea) can brands buy?

Common forms include high-purity powder, micronized grades and carrier blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for oleoylethanolamide (oea) include?

Expect oEA assay, related ethanolamides and free fatty acid, free ethanolamine, residual solvents, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should oleoylethanolamide (oea) be stored?

Keep OEA sealed and protected from heat, light and air; the double bond in the oleoyl chain can oxidize, and the waxy powder can soften or clump when warm. Store in a cool, dry place. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of oleoylethanolamide (oea)?

The EU Novel Food Catalogue entry for oleoylethanolamide (OEA), identified as (Z)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)octadec-9-enamide, carries the status not yet authorised novel food.

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