TEA-Stearate
What is it?
TEA-Stearate is the triethanolamine (TEA) salt of stearic acid. It is a cream-colored, wax-like solid. In cosmetics and personal care products, TEA-Stearate is used in a variety of baby, bath, eye makeup, fragrance, hair, makeup, nail, personal cleanliness, shaving, skin and suntan preparations.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the individual components of TEA-Stearate to be used in food. Triethanolamine is allowed to be used to wash or aid in the peeling of fruits and vegetables. Stearic acid is on FDA's list of direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recogized As Safe (GRAS).
The safety of TEA-Stearate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that TEA-Stearate was safe in cosmetic formulations. The CIR Expert Panel did not set any limits for the use of TEA-Stearate in products rinsed off shortly after application. Concentrations limits based on the amount of Triethanolamine in the product were set for products intended to be left on the skin.
The safety of TEA-Stearate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that TEA-Stearate was safe in cosmetic formulations. The CIR Expert Panel did not set any limits for the use of TEA-Stearate in products rinsed off shortly after application. Concentrations limits based on the amount of Triethanolamine in the product were set for products intended to be left on the skin.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
TEA-Stearate helps to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. When used in the formulation of cleansing products, TEA-Stearate cleans skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away.
Scientific facts:
TEA-Stearate is the triethanolamine salt of Stearic Acid. Stearic acid is a fatty acid obtained from animal and vegetable fats and oils and is used primarily as a soap. Soaps are the salts of water-insoluble fatty acids with various bases. Soaps were the first surface-active agents prepared by man.
