DMAE
Choline-like cholinergic compound with proven skin-firming cosmetic use but weak cognitive evidence.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS DMAE?
Detailed overview
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol, also called deanol) is a small molecule structurally similar to choline that is marketed as an acetylcholine precursor, but research shows it does not reliably increase brain acetylcholine synthesis. Its strongest evidence supports topical cosmetic use: as a gel it improved skin firmness and showed a measurable tensile (tightening) effect in a split-face study. Orally it was sold for decades as Deaner/Deanol for childhood attention and learning problems and for tardive dyskinesia, but controlled trials mostly found weak or inconclusive cognitive effects, so it was withdrawn as a drug. Today it is available as a dietary supplement and a cosmetic ingredient.
Mechanism
Choline analog (does not reliably raise brain ACh)
Strongest evidence
Topical skin-firming cosmetic
Legal status
Dietary supplement / cosmetic ingredient
Receptor profile
- Acetylcholine (via choline)Moderate
- Choline to betaine conversionWeak
- Muscarinic receptorsWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Headache, particularly at higher-than-usual oral doses
- Drowsiness or paradoxical restlessness and muscle tension
- Mild sleep disturbance or vivid dreams if dosed late in the day
- Skin tingling or mild irritation with topical application
- Increased cholinergic tone: salivation, abdominal cramps, muscle twitching at high doses
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: limited safety data, avoid
- Epilepsy or seizure predisposition: increased cholinergic tone may theoretically lower the seizure threshold
- Bipolar disorder: older reports suggest it may trigger or worsen manic/hypomanic states
- Additive effect with other cholinergic agents (cholinesterase inhibitors, choline donors)
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
The role of dimethylaminoethanol in cosmetic dermatology
Grossman R
Split face study on the cutaneous tensile effect of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol) gel
Uhoda I, Faska N, Robert C, Cauwenbergh G, Pierard GE
Cholinergic medication for antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia
Tammenmaa-Aho I, Asher R, Soares-Weiser K, Bergman H
Systematic review of cholinergic drugs for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Tammenmaa IA, Sailas E, McGrath JJ, Soares-Weiser K, Wahlbeck K
A controlled trial of deaner and a placebo in mentally defective children
Anon
FAQ
FAQ
Choline-like cholinergic compound with proven skin-firming cosmetic use but weak cognitive evidence.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.