Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine

AKA “111-42-2, 2, 2'-Iminodiethanol, Diolamine, Iminodiethanol, Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, 2-(2-Hydroxyethylamino)ethanol, Diethanolamin, Diethylolamine, 2'-Dihydroxydiethylamine”

Ingredient

Ingredient Facts

Diethanolamine

AKA: 111-42-2, 2, 2'-Iminodiethanol, Diolamine, Iminodiethanol, Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, 2-(2-Hydroxyethylamino)ethanol, Diethylolamine, 2'-Dihydroxydiethylamine

Ingredient · Buffering · EWG: 10

Synthetic

Not Clean

Diethanolamine is used in a number of consumer products, such as shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Limited information is available on the health effects of diethanolamine. Acute (short- term) inhalation exposure to diethanolamine in humans may result in irritation of the nose and throat, and dermal exposure may irritate the skin. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of diethanolamine in humans. Animal studies have reported effects on the liver, kidney, blood, and central nervous system (CNS) from chronic oral exposure to diethanolamine. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) reported an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice from dermal exposure to diethanolamine. EPA has not classified diethanolamine for carcinogenicity.

Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 57 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C4H11NO2

Mol. Weight

105.14

CAS #

111-42-2

Form

Liquid

State

Diethanolamine appears as oily colorless liquid or solid white crystals. Slight rotten fish or ammonia odor. Denser than water. (USCG, 1999)

See origin →

Functions

Buffering

Quells irritation

Traditional Use

Organic compound synthesized in the early 20th century from ethylene oxide and ammonia. Adopted widely in cosmetics in the 1950s as a pH buffer and emulsifying agent, particularly in creams and shampoos.