What Are The Benefits of DMAE?

DMAE goes by several other names, including dimethylaminoethanol, dimethylethanolamine and deaner. The National Library of Medicine describes DMAE as a clear, odorless liquid that is often used in products such as:

• Skin care serums
• Cognitive-function supplements
• Mood-enhancing pills

If you're considering adding DMAE to your wellness regimen, you may experience several health benefits. However, there are some risks involved in taking unregulated supplements. Before you purchase DMAE, be sure to understand the potential benefits and risks.

If you're looking for a new way to revitalize your skincare routine, you may seek out products that contain DMAE. According to the Cleveland Clinic, topical skincare products often use this ingredient to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, the research is mixed on the subject.

The studies on DMAE and skincare benefits are either outdated or done on animals. Therefore, the results of this research is not conclusive, but they are promising. For example, a 2005 review of evidence in the ​American Journal of Clinical Dermatology​ found that DMAE may help combat several skin problems, including:

• Sagging
• Inflammation
• Low muscle tone

These results seem promising if you're looking for a way to get firmer skin. However, the review itself calls for more research to determine if DMAE is more effective than other products in skincare ingredients. As such, you may want to wait until researchers publish more conclusive evidence.

​Read more:​ 10 Recipes for Glowing, Healthy Skin

While DMAE for skincare benefits requires topical use, you may also take it as an oral supplement. DMAE is thought to be one of many ways you can keep your brain sharp as you age. Unfortunately, the studies around this supplement and its effects on the brain have many of the same flaws as those regarding DMAE and skin.

One March 2012 study in the ​Journal of Alzheimer's Disease​ looked at the effects of DMAE in people with prodromal Alzheimer's disease. Researchers studied 242 patients who took a compound called V0191, which includes DMAE. The scientists found no significant evidence of cognitive improvement with these patients over 12 weeks, but called for more investigation.

Instead of taking supplements for extra brainpower, you may consider a healthy diet. The American Association of Retired Persons reports that people who eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables daily have better brain health than those who don't. Supplements had no effect on this finding.

​Read more:​ 19 Best Brain Superfoods

If you choose to take a chance on DMAE supplements or skincare products, be sure to find a safe product that is right for you. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps food, beverages and medications under tight restrictions, the regulation of dietary supplements is lighter. Despite this, the FDA has taken action against several companies selling DMAE supplements.

​Read more:​ Are Supplements Safe? Here's What You Really Need to Know

In 2016, the FDA published a warning letter to Reviva Labs Inc. for publishing health claims for which they did not have evidence. Several of the offending claims include the company's DMAE products, including that the ingredient would stimulate muscle tone. The FDA sent a similar letter to BrainAlert LLC in 2017 regarding the companies claims about DMAE's brain benefits.

In 2018, the FDA took further action against Years to Your Health and warned consumers about taking any supplements the company made, including those with DMAE. This came after the FDA found potentially harmful ingredients in the products and asked for a recall. The company refused to comply.