TEA-Undecylenate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 84471-25-0, Undec-10-enoic acid, Compound with 2, 2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1), 10-Undecenoic acid, Compd. with 2, 2''-nitrilotris(ethanol) (1:1)
Plant-Derived
Preservative
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Undec-10-enoic acid, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1) (salt)
Formula
C17H35NO5
Mol. Weight
333.50
CAS #
84471-25-0
Form
Liquid
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Preserves Formula
Cleansing Surfactant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
A synthetic preservative and antimicrobial combining triethanolamine with undecylenic acid (derived from castor oil). Developed as a gentler alternative to traditional preservatives in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.2%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 18.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
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