Cross-Reference Analysis

Triethanolamine (TEA) in Sunscreen

Which sunscreen products contain Triethanolamine (TEA), and what are the risks?

Hazard Score

6/10

Products Found

About Triethanolamine (TEA)

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.

Full ingredient analysis

FDA: Approved for cosmetic use. FDA recommends that cosmetics containing TEA should not contain nitrosating agents, but does not enforce testing.

High Concern

Sunscreen Products Containing Triethanolamine (TEA)

0 products found in our database.

No sunscreen products in our database currently contain Triethanolamine (TEA) as a flagged ingredient. This ingredient is still commonly found in products from other categories.

View all products with Triethanolamine (TEA)

Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report

Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.

Clean Alternatives

Instead of Triethanolamine (TEA), look for sunscreen products made with:

citric acid (pH adjuster)

sodium hydroxide (pH adjuster)

amino acid-based emulsifiers

decyl glucoside

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.

Triethanolamine (TEA) in Other Categories

Face Moisturizer Lip Gloss

FAQ

Why is Triethanolamine (TEA) used in sunscreen products?

Adjusts and stabilizes pH in cosmetic formulations. Also acts as an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases.

How many sunscreen products contain Triethanolamine (TEA)?

In our database, 0 sunscreen products contain Triethanolamine (TEA) as a flagged ingredient. The actual number on the market is likely much higher, as our database covers major brands but not every product available.

Is Triethanolamine (TEA) more dangerous in sunscreen than other products?

Risk depends on exposure route and frequency. Sunscreen products are applied to the skin, where ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Daily use increases nitrosamine formation risk and cumulative skin irritation.

What is a safe alternative to sunscreen with Triethanolamine (TEA)?

Look for sunscreen products that use citric acid (pH adjuster), sodium hydroxide (pH adjuster), amino acid-based emulsifiers instead of Triethanolamine (TEA). Numbrrrz lip balm uses only organic, food-grade ingredients and contains zero flagged chemicals.

Numbrrrz — the power of four clean ingredients

Triethanolamine (TEA)-Free Sunscreen Exists.

Numbrrrz lip balm is made with only four organic, food-grade ingredients. No Triethanolamine (TEA). No compromise.