Triethanolamine
A cosmetic ingredient used as buffering, fragrance, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
What does it do?
Triethanolamine is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Buffering
stabilises the pH of a product
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Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Triethanolamine is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 62). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Frequently asked questions
What is Triethanolamine?
Triethanolamine is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
Is Triethanolamine allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Triethanolamine is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Triethanolamine do in cosmetic products?
Triethanolamine is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: buffering, fragrance, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Triethanolamine?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Triethanolamine is 102-71-6.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010