murphyIsopropanolamine
AKA: 1-Aminopropan-2-ol, 1-AMINO-2-PROPANOL, Threamine, Monoisopropanolamine, DL-1-Amino-2-propanol, 2-Hydroxypropylamine, 2-Propanol, 1-Methyl-2-aminoethanol, 2-Amino-1-methylethanol
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from propylene oxide and ammonia, belonging to the alkanolamine chemical family. Produced through catalytic reaction of these precursors under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
Monoisopropanolamine appears as a colorless liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor. Less dense than water and soluble in water. Flash point 165 °F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Vapors are heavier than air. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Used in plastics, paints, cutting oils, and specialized cleaning compounds.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 67.6 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C3H9NO
Mol. Weight
75.11
CAS #
78-96-6
Form
Liquid
State
Monoisopropanolamine appears as a colorless liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor. Less dense than water and soluble in water. Flash point 165 °F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Vapors are heavier t
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Buffering
Stabilizes pH
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 165 and 934)
Not Phototoxic
Human test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 165)
Eye Irritant in Testing
5 studies / 5 irritating / reactions slight to severe / plus 1 case report (CIR 165 and 934)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 4 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions mild to corrosive (CIR 165 and 934)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.11%
Rinse-off0.015–0.016%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2023 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR