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Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) suppliers and sourcing guide

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid ethanolamide, the amide of palmitic acid and ethanolamine, which occurs naturally in foods such as egg yolk, soy and peanuts. Commercial PEA is made by reacting palmitic acid (often from palm oil) or a palmitic ester with ethanolamine, then purifying by crystallization. It is a white, waxy powder that does not dissolve in water, sold in standard, micronized and ultra-micronized particle sizes and in blends with dispersing agents.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
PEA · Palmidrol · N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)hexadecanamide · N-Palmitoylethanolamine
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of palmitoylethanolamide (pea)

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

  • Standard PEA

    Crystalline powder at a stated purity, often 98% or more, with relatively large particles.

  • Micronized and ultra-micronized

    Milled to a small stated particle size, measured by laser diffraction; grades are distinguished mainly by particle size.

  • Dispersible blends

    PEA co-processed or blended with phospholipids, starch or other carriers so it disperses in capsules and powders.

  • Sustainable palm grades

    PEA made from palmitic acid with RSPO or other palm certification, for brands that require it.

What to check on the COA

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

PEA assay
PEA content by HPLC or GC against a reference standard.
Particle size
Particle size distribution by laser diffraction (D50 and D90), the defining spec for micronized grades.
Related substances
Stearoylethanolamide, other fatty acid ethanolamides and free palmitic acid by HPLC or GC.
Residual solvents and ethanolamine
Crystallization solvents by headspace GC and unreacted ethanolamine.
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

PEA is a stable saturated amide, but micronized grades can clump if stored warm or humid. Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and particle size for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record purity and particle size results for each lot, because particle size is what separates grades and can drift between lots. Note the palm source certification where the brand requires it.

Regulatory status

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

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.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking palmitoylethanolamide (pea) 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 palmitoylethanolamide (pea) can brands buy?

Common forms include standard PEA, micronized and ultra-micronized, dispersible blends and sustainable palm grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for palmitoylethanolamide (pea) include?

Expect pEA assay, particle size, related substances, residual solvents and ethanolamine, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should palmitoylethanolamide (pea) be stored?

PEA is a stable saturated amide, but micronized grades can clump if stored warm or humid. Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and particle size for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of palmitoylethanolamide (pea)?

The EU Novel Food Catalogue entry for palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)hexadecanamide, gives it the status not novel in food supplements.

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