What Is Ethanolamine?
Ethanolamine, also called 2-aminoethanol, is a small organic compound made of an amino group attached to a two-carbon alcohol chain. Most commercial ethanolamine comes from reacting ethylene oxide, a petroleum-derived gas, with ammonia under controlled heat and pressure. The process yields a clear slightly viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like scent that mixes easily with water and many cosmetic raw materials.
First prepared in the mid-1800s, ethanolamine gained industrial importance in the early 20th century for making soaps and detergents. Cosmetic chemists soon discovered its ability to fine-tune the acidity of creams, lotions and hair products, and it has been a toolbox staple since the 1950s. Today you will find it in a wide range of formulations such as facial cleansers, clay masks, leave-on and rinse-off conditioners, hair colorants, shaving foams, makeup removers, sunscreens, moisturizers and some anti-aging serums.
Ethanolamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics ethanolamine is valued mainly as a buffering agent. By adjusting and stabilizing pH it helps keep a formula in the optimal acid–base range so active ingredients stay effective, textures remain consistent and preservatives work as intended. A stable pH also protects skin and hair from unexpected irritation that can occur when a product drifts too acidic or too alkaline during storage or use.
Who Can Use Ethanolamine
When used at the low concentrations typical in skin and hair care products ethanolamine is generally suitable for normal, oily and combination skin. Dry or very sensitive skin may find it less comfortable because the ingredient can raise a formula’s pH slightly which might compromise an already fragile skin barrier. People with a history of eczema or rosacea should pay extra attention to how their skin feels after use.
Ethanolamine is synthesized from petrochemical sources and ammonia so it contains no animal derived materials, making it acceptable for both vegans and vegetarians.
The ingredient is considered low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when it appears in rinse off or leave on cosmetics at the levels allowed by regulations. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their chosen products past a qualified doctor to be on the safe side.
Ethanolamine does not increase photosensitivity and there are no known restrictions related to sun exposure. Because it is sometimes used in stronger concentrations inside permanent hair dyes and relaxers those specific products can be more irritating than typical skincare or cleansing formulas, so users should follow all label directions carefully.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ethanolamine vary from person to person. The issues listed below represent potential side effects that could occur, but they are not expected for the average user when the ingredient has been formulated correctly.
- Skin irritation – mild redness or burning especially on sensitive or damaged skin
- Contact dermatitis – rare allergic reaction leading to rash itching or swelling
- Dryness or tightness – possible if the formula’s pH becomes too alkaline for the user’s skin
- Eye irritation – stinging and watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Scalp sensitization – more likely with high concentrations found in permanent hair color or relaxer kits
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Ethanolamine is a tiny water-soluble molecule that does not sit on the skin’s surface or mix with skin oils, so it has virtually no tendency to clog pores. Its job is to tweak pH, not to add emollience or occlusion, which are the properties that usually raise a pore-clogging risk.
Because of this non-oily nature ethanolamine is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
No notable interactions with common acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid have been reported, making it an easy ingredient to slot into most routines.
Summary
Ethanolamine functions as a buffering agent that fine-tunes and stabilizes the pH of skincare and haircare formulas. By doing so it helps active ingredients stay effective, keeps textures consistent and ensures preservatives work properly.
While it is not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or retinol, ethanolamine is a quiet workhorse found in many cleansers, masks, conditioners and other everyday products. Its popularity stems from reliability and low cost rather than buzz.
Used at the low levels allowed in cosmetics it is regarded as safe for most skin types, though very sensitive or already compromised skin might notice mild irritation. As with any new product a quick patch test is a smart precaution before applying it more broadly.