What is Triethanolamine (TEA)?
Triethanolamine is an amine — a nitrogen-containing compound — that's mildly alkaline. Formulators use it to raise the pH of acidic mixtures into the range where thickeners like carbomer gel properly and where skin is comfortable.
It also appears as part of salts such as TEA-lauryl sulfate and TEA-stearate, where it's been reacted with a fatty acid or surfactant to make an emulsifier.
What does it do in a product?
Two jobs. First, it neutralises acids so a cream or gel reaches the right pH and texture — many carbomer-based gels wouldn't thicken without it. Second, when combined with fatty acids it forms soap-like emulsifiers that keep oil and water mixed.
It has no direct benefit for skin. It's a processing aid that makes the product work.
Is Triethanolamine (TEA) safe?
On its own, triethanolamine is only mildly irritating at high concentrations and is a rare cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Skin absorption is low. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review considers it safe in rinse-off products and in leave-on products up to 5%.
The real concern is chemical: secondary amines present as impurities in TEA (chiefly diethanolamine) can react with nitrosating agents — some preservatives, nitrites, or even air over time — to form N-nitrosodiethanolamine. NDELA is classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) and has been detected in some cosmetics. It is readily absorbed through skin.
Europe's response was to permit TEA only with strict limits on impurity (maximum 0.5% secondary amine), a purity requirement for the raw material, and a rule that it must not be used with nitrosating systems. Products made under those rules carry very low risk. The concern is with low-cost or poorly controlled products where those safeguards may not exist.
Related ingredient diethanolamine (DEA) and its derivatives (cocamide DEA) are treated more strictly and are banned in cosmetics in the EU.
Who should be careful
- Anyone with a confirmed ethanolamine allergy on patch testing
- If you buy from sources without clear regulatory oversight, prefer products that avoid TEA altogether
- Avoid products combining TEA with bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) or other nitrosating preservatives — the EU bans this pairing
- People with very sensitive skin, at leave-on concentrations near the 2.5% EU limit
Regulatory status
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | Restricted (Annex III): max 2.5% in leave-on products; must not be used with nitrosating systems; max 0.5% secondary amine content; minimum 99% purity; nitrosamine content below 50 µg/kg. |
| United Kingdom | As EU. |
| Canada | Restricted on the Hotlist with the same conditions as the EU (2.5% leave-on, no nitrosating agents). |
| United States | No FDA restriction. Cosmetic Ingredient Review: safe in rinse-off products; safe in leave-on up to 5%; should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents. |
| Australia | Permitted; NDELA contamination is the regulated concern. |
Where you'll find it
- Body lotions and moisturisers
- Sunscreens
- Gel cleansers and foaming face washes
- Liquid foundation and mascara
- Shaving cream and gel
- Hair gel and styling products
Alternatives
- Sodium hydroxide — used in tiny amounts, fully neutralised in the finished product
- Aminomethyl propanol (AMP) — a common TEA replacement
- Potassium hydroxide
- Products using pre-neutralised thickeners such as sodium polyacrylate
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list or snap a photo of the label — IngredientIQ rates every ingredient in seconds.
Common questions
Does triethanolamine cause cancer?
Not directly. TEA itself is not classified as a carcinogen. The concern is that impure TEA in a badly formulated product can form NDELA, a probable carcinogen. Products made to EU standards are formulated to prevent this.
Is triethanolamine the same as diethanolamine (DEA)?
No. DEA is a related but more problematic amine that forms nitrosamines more readily; it and its derivatives are banned in EU cosmetics. TEA is permitted with restrictions.
Is triethanolamine safe during pregnancy?
There's no evidence of reproductive harm from TEA at cosmetic concentrations. If you want to be cautious, favour products that use sodium hydroxide or AMP as the pH adjuster instead.
Why does it appear so far down the ingredient list?
Because only a small amount is needed. Typical concentrations in a lotion are 0.5–1.5%, well below the EU limit.
Related
Sources
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III entry 62 (Trialkylamines, trialkanolamines and their salts)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Amended Safety Assessment of Triethanolamine and TEA-containing ingredients, 2013
- IARC Monographs Vol. 77, N-Nitrosodiethanolamine
- Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
- FDA, Nitrosamines in Cosmetics