murphyDiethanolamine
AKA: 111-42-2, 2'-Iminodiethanol, Diolamine, Iminodiethanol, Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, 2-(2-Hydroxyethylamino)ethanol, Diethylolamine, 2'-Dihydroxydiethylamine
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginProduced from ethylene oxide and ammonia through chemical synthesis. Created via reaction of ethylene oxide with diethanolamine precursors under controlled conditions.
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)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Buffering
Quells irritation
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
10
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 3 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions moderate to severe (CIR 217 and 575)
Mixed Sensitization Results
7 studies / 1 sensitizing / 6 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 217 and 575)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 5 irritating / 1 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions severe (CIR 217 and 575)
Dermal Absorption 0.011–58.1%
13 animal / lab (in vitro) and product formulation studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 575)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.008–0.06%
Rinse-off0.009–0.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2011 survey
Regulatory Agencies
🧂Conflict of interest.
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR