TEA-Isostearate

AKA: Triethanolamine isostearate, 88120-12-1, Isooctadecanoic acid, Compound with 2, 2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1), ISOSTEARIC ACID TRIETHANOLAMINE SALT, ETHANOL, ISOOCTADECANOATE (SALT), TEA-ISOSTEARATE [INCI]
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
OriginTypically derived from isostearic acid, a saturated fatty acid obtained from hydrogenated vegetable oils or animal fats. Synthesized by esterification of isostearic acid with triethanolamine to form the salt compound.
Isooctadecanoic acid, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1)
Formula
C24H51NO5
Mol. Weight
433.70
CAS #
88120-12-1
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
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.
Removes Impurities
Conditions Hair
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · report published 2013
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
murphy