What Is Triethanolamine?
Triethanolamine, sometimes written as TEA, is a clear to pale yellow liquid made by reacting ethylene oxide with ammonia. The result is a water soluble compound that belongs to a family of chemicals called alkanolamines, which are known for having both alcohol and amine groups in their structure. This dual nature lets the ingredient interact with water and oil at the same time, a key reason it became popular in cosmetics.
First produced in the early 1940s for industrial cleaning agents, triethanolamine soon caught the eye of formulators looking for a way to balance pH and stabilize mixtures of oil and water. Its low cost, versatility and gentle feel on skin helped it transition from factory floors to beauty counters within a couple of decades.
Commercial manufacturing usually follows a continuous process where ethylene oxide is added to aqueous ammonia under controlled temperature and pressure. The reaction is monitored to make sure three ethanol groups attach to a single nitrogen atom, giving the final 2,2′,2”-nitrilotriethanol composition. After purification, the liquid is ready for use in personal care labs.
Today you can find triethanolamine in many rinse off and leave on products such as facial cleansers, foaming masks, lightweight moisturizers, makeup removers, hair gels, sunscreens, shaving creams and some color cosmetics. Whenever a formula needs a stable, skin friendly base that keeps its pH in check, this ingredient is a common choice.
Triethanolamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on triethanolamine for several practical reasons that improve how a product looks, feels and performs on skin or hair
- Buffering: Helps maintain a steady pH so active ingredients remain effective and the final product feels comfortable on skin
- Fragrance: Carries or solubilizes scent compounds allowing a consistent aroma without needing heavier solvents
- Cleansing: Works with surfactants to lift away dirt and oil enhancing foam and rinseability in face and body washes
- Emulsifying: Keeps oil and water phases blended which prevents separation and gives creams and lotions a smooth texture
Who Can Use Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is generally suitable for normal, oily and combination skin because it helps balance formula pH without leaving a heavy residue. Dry or highly sensitive skin can still use it but may notice tightness or mild irritation if the finished product contains a high concentration, so a gentler formula is preferable for those skin types.
The ingredient is synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks and contains no animal derived matter which makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No research links properly formulated topical triethanolamine to adverse effects for pregnant or breastfeeding women, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products to their routine.
Triethanolamine does not increase photosensitivity and there are no special sun precautions required beyond normal daily sunscreen use. It is also non volatile so it will not aggravate respiratory conditions during typical cosmetic use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical triethanolamine differ between individuals and remain uncommon when the ingredient is used at industry standard levels. The following points outline potential reactions that could occur but are unlikely for most users.
- Skin irritation such as redness itching or a stinging sensation
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people already sensitized to alkanolamines
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or slight disruption of the skin barrier when used in very high amounts
- Formation of trace nitrosamines if the formula also contains nitrosating agents which may raise safety concerns
If any of these effects occur stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Triethanolamine is highly water soluble and does not leave an oily film on skin, so it rarely blocks pores. Any breakout risk usually comes from other heavier ingredients in the same formula rather than from triethanolamine itself. Therefore it is generally considered safe for acne-prone users. One extra point to keep in mind is that formulas combining triethanolamine with fatty acids to make soap-like salts may feel heavier which could nudge the rating higher, but on its own the ingredient sits near the bottom of the scale.
Summary
Triethanolamine acts as a pH buffer, mild cleanser booster, light emulsifier and fragrance solubilizer by virtue of its dual alcohol and amine groups that can interact with both water and oil. This versatility keeps creams stable, helps washes foam and lets scents mix evenly without adding grease.
Once a star of mid-century formulations, it is still widely used in everything from shaving creams to sunscreens though newer alternatives mean it now shares shelf space rather than dominating it.
When used within standard cosmetic limits triethanolamine is regarded as safe for healthy adults with irritation or sensitization occurring only in a small fraction of users. As with any new product do a quick patch test to make sure your skin stays happy.