Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine

AKA “Trolamine, 102-71-6, 2, 2', 2''-Nitrilotriethanol, Sterolamide, Daltogen, Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, Nitrilotriethanol, Triethylolamine, Trihydroxytriethylamine”

Surfactant

Ingredient Facts

Triethanolamine

AKA: Trolamine, 102-71-6, 2, 2', 2''-Nitrilotriethanol, Sterolamide, Daltogen, Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, Nitrilotriethanol, Triethylolamine, Trihydroxytriethylamine

Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 6

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Not Clean

Trolamine, which is also referred to as triethanolamine (TEA), is a tertiary amine and a triol. It is a bifunctional compound that exhibits both properties of alcohols and amines. Trolamine contains small amounts of diethanolamine and ethanolamine and may also act as an antioxidant against the auto-oxidation of animal and vegetable fats. It is commonly used as a pH adjuster and surfactant in industrial and cosmetic products such as skin and hair conditioning products.

Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C6H15NO3

Mol. Weight

149.19

CAS #

102-71-6

Form

Liquid

State

Triethanolamine is an oily liquid with a mild ammonia odor. Denser than water. Freezing point is 71 °F. (USCG, 1999)

See origin →

Functions

Buffering

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Emulsifying

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Neutralizes Free Radicals

Traditional Use

Developed in the early 20th century as a chemical neutralizing agent; adopted by the cosmetics industry in the mid-1900s primarily as a pH buffer and emulsifier in creams and lotions rather than as a standalone skincare ingredient.