What Is Triethylamine?
Triethylamine is a clear, colorless liquid made of three ethyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom, giving it a light, ammonia-like scent. Because it belongs to the amine family, it is alkaline and reacts easily with acids. Originally produced for industrial uses such as creating dyes and resins, it was later adopted by the cosmetics industry when chemists discovered its ability to keep oil-and-water mixtures from separating. Today it is manufactured on a large scale through the reaction of ethanol with ammonia in the presence of hydrogen and a metal catalyst, a process that yields consistent purity for personal care formulas.
In everyday products you might spot triethylamine in facial masks, lightweight lotions, anti-aging serums, sprayable sunscreens and certain hair-care treatments where a stable, uniform texture is key. It is not an active beauty booster on its own, but it plays a behind-the-scenes role that helps these formulas stay smooth and effective from first pump to last drop.
Triethylamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair products triethylamine serves one main purpose that supports both texture and performance.
Emulsion stabilising: By balancing pH and interacting with emulsifiers, triethylamine keeps oil and water phases blended so creams, lotions and sprays remain even and do not separate during storage or daily use. This stability ensures each application delivers the same feel, spreadability and active ingredient distribution, which improves product reliability and shelf life.
Who Can Use Triethylamine
Because triethylamine is used at very low levels and does not act directly on the skin, most skin types—including oily, dry, normal and combination—tolerate it well. People with very sensitive or already irritated skin might notice a slight sting or dryness if a formula contains more of this base than usual, so they may prefer to choose products that list it lower on the ingredient label.
The ingredient is made synthetically from ethanol and ammonia and involves no animal-derived materials, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current cosmetic safety assessments show no special risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when triethylamine is used within allowed limits, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run every skincare or haircare product past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Triethylamine does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical triethylamine can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible, not probable, and most people will not experience them when using a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation or redness – more likely on broken or very sensitive skin
- Stinging sensation – especially if the product is applied to freshly exfoliated areas
- Dryness or tight feeling – due to its basic nature changing the skin’s surface pH
- Contact dermatitis – rare allergic reaction that can show up as rash or itching
- Eye irritation – watering, burning or redness if mist or product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Nasal or throat irritation – possible when using spray products in a poorly ventilated space
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Triethylamine is a small, highly volatile liquid that evaporates quickly and is used at tiny percentages only to balance pH and steady emulsions. It does not leave a film or residue on the skin that could block pores, so it earns the lowest possible clog-pore score.
Because it does not add oil or wax to a formula, it is generally safe for those who are prone to acne or breakouts.
A final point worth noting is that most products containing triethylamine are rinse-off or lightweight leave-ons, further lowering any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Triethylamine works behind the scenes as an emulsion stabiliser. By nudging the pH into the right range it helps emulsifiers keep oil and water phases blended, so creams and sprays stay smooth and effective from first use to last. It is not a headline ingredient and you will not find it highlighted in ads, yet chemists still rely on it when they need a straightforward, dependable base.
The ingredient is widely considered safe at the small amounts allowed in cosmetics. Irritation is uncommon and serious reactions are rare, but as with any new product a quick patch test is a smart move just to make sure your skin agrees.