Isopropanolamine

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
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
Functions
Buffering
Stabilizes pH
Traditional Use
A synthetic organic compound developed in the 20th century for use as a neutralizing agent and emulsifier in cosmetics. Used to adjust pH and improve product stability in creams and lotions.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR