murphyTEA-Lactate
AKA: Triethanolamine lactate, 20475-12-1, 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol;2-hydroxypropanoic acid
Plant-Derived
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lactic acid, a compound produced through bacterial fermentation of sugars or synthesized chemically. TEA (triethanolamine) is then combined with lactate through neutralization to form the salt compound.
Tris(2-Hydroxyethyl)ammonium lactate
Formula
C9H21NO6
Mol. Weight
239.27
CAS #
20475-12-1
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 34)
Skin Irritant in Testing (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 34)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.06–0.1%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR