TEA-Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Triethanolamine laurate, 2224-49-9, Caswell No. 887A, Lauric acid, Triethanolamine salt, TOHO LT, Compound with 2, 2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1)
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Lauric acid, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1)
Formula
C18H39NO5
Mol. Weight
349.50
CAS #
2224-49-9
Functions
Foaming
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.
Creates Lather
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier created by combining triethanolamine with lauric acid (derived from coconut oil). Used in modern cosmetics and personal care products as a cleansing and conditioning agent.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR