Triethanolamine
What is it?
Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine are clear, colorless, viscous liquids with ammonia-like odors. In cosmetics and personal care products, Triethanolamine is used in makeup products such as eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blushers, make-up bases and foundations, as well as in fragrances, hair care products, hair dyes, wave sets, shaving products, sunscreens, and skin care and skin cleansing products. Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine are used mostly in permanent waves and hair dyes and colors.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine on its list of indirect food additives. These ingredients may be used in adhesives in contact with food and to assist in the washing or peeling of fruits and vegetables.
The safety of Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin. In products intended for prolonged contact with the skin, the concentration of Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not exceed 5%. Ethanolamine should be used only in rinse-off products. Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of possibly carcinogenic nitrosamines.
The safety of Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin. In products intended for prolonged contact with the skin, the concentration of Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not exceed 5%. Ethanolamine should be used only in rinse-off products. Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of possibly carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified so that water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients can be blended together. They are also used to control the pH of cosmetics and personal care products.
Scientific facts:
Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine are strong bases that have the combined properties of alcohols and amines.
