TEA-Laureth Sulfate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Triethanolamine lauryl ether sulfate, TRIETHANOLAMINE POLYOXYETHYLENE LAURYL ETHER SULFATE, ALOVPZWOOLXQEU-UHFFFAOYSA-N, CBA02882, 2-[2-dodecoxyethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol;sulfuric acid
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Ethanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-, compd. with .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-(dodecyloxy)poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) (1:1)
Formula
C18H41NO7S
Mol. Weight
415.60
CAS #
27028-82-6
Form
Powder
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
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.
Removes Impurities
Creates Lather
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes dirt and impurities
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic surfactant in the mid-20th century by combining triethanolamine with ethoxylated lauryl sulfate. Designed to be a milder alternative to some traditional sulfate-based cleansers in shampoos and body washes.
EWG
5
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-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