Triethanolamine (TEA)
Also known as: TEA, trolamine, 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, trihydroxytriethylamine
An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics. Triethanolamine can react with nitrosating agents present in formulations to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. It is also a skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Triethanolamine (TEA).
Low risk from occasional use in well-formulated products.
Daily use increases nitrosamine formation risk and cumulative skin irritation.
Moderate concern. Multiple TEA-containing products compound both irritation and nitrosamine risk.
Health Risks
Can react with nitrosating agents (nitrites, nitrogen oxides) in formulations to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
International Journal of Toxicology, 2013 — TEA safety assessment and nitrosamine formation risk
Skin and eye irritant at concentrations commonly used in cosmetics. Can cause contact dermatitis with prolonged exposure.
May cause sensitization with repeated exposure, particularly in products left on the skin.
Global Regulatory Status
How triethanolamine (tea) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
80% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 2.5% (Annex III); must not be used with nitrosating agents.
Details
Max 2.5% with restrictions on nitrosating agents.
Details
Must not be used with nitrosating agents per Hotlist.
Details
Permitted with limits; restrictions on nitrosamine formation.
Details
Permitted at limited concentrations; must not form nitrosamines.
Details
Max 2.5%; must not be used with nitrosating systems.
Details
Max 2.5% per ANVISA with nitrosamine restrictions.
Details
Max 2.5% with nitrosamine restrictions, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Triethanolamine (TEA)
Adjusts and stabilizes pH in cosmetic formulations. Also acts as an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose triethanolamine (tea) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like citric acid (pH adjuster), sodium hydroxide (pH adjuster), amino acid-based emulsifiers deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Triethanolamine (TEA) in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing triethanolamine (tea) in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz uses no ethanolamine compounds in any product. Our simple oil-and-wax lip balm formula requires no pH adjusters or synthetic emulsifiers — eliminating nitrosamine risk entirely.
