Triethanolamine — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: TRIETHANOLAMINE
Also known as: TEA
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 102-71-6
- Category
- ph adjuster
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- No
- Max Concentration
- 2.5%
- Found In
- cream, cleanser
Is Triethanolamine safe in cosmetics?
Triethanolamine is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in cream, cleanser.
What is Triethanolamine?
pH adjuster. Can form nitrosamines in presence of nitrosating agents. EU restricted.
Allergy & Safety Information
Triethanolamine is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
How to Identify Triethanolamine in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Triethanolamine, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Cream, Cleanser. These product categories are the most common sources of Triethanolamine exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Triethanolamine? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Triethanolamine and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Triethanolamine safe for sensitive skin?
Triethanolamine may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Triethanolamine?
Triethanolamine is commonly found in cream, cleanser.
What does Triethanolamine do in cosmetics?
Triethanolamine functions as a ph_adjuster in formulations.
Related Guides
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