Triethanolamine
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Trolamine, 102-71-6, 2''-Nitrilotriethanol, Sterolamide, Daltogen, Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, Nitrilotriethanol, Triethylolamine, Trihydroxytriethylamine
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Trolamine, which is also referred to as triethanolamine (TEA), is a tertiary amine and a triol. It is a bifunctional compound that exhibits both properties of alcohols and amines. Trolamine contains small amounts of diethanolamine and ethanolamine and may also act as an antioxidant against the auto-oxidation of animal and vegetable fats. It is commonly used as a pH adjuster and surfactant in industrial and cosmetic products such as skin and hair conditioning products.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H15NO3
Mol. Weight
149.19
CAS #
102-71-6
Form
Liquid
State
Triethanolamine is an oily liquid with a mild ammonia odor. Denser than water. Freezing point is 71 °F. (USCG, 1999)
Functions
Buffering
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.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a chemical neutralizing agent; adopted by the cosmetics industry in the mid-1900s primarily as a pH buffer and emulsifier in creams and lotions rather than as a standalone skincare ingredient.
EWG
6
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-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR