murphyTriethanolamine
AKA: Trolamine, 102-71-6, 2''-Nitrilotriethanol, Sterolamide, Daltogen, Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, Nitrilotriethanol, Triethylolamine, Trihydroxytriethylamine
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from ethylene oxide and ammonia through a chemical reaction process. The resulting compound is then purified and stabilized for use in formulations.
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)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
6
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Human test and Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 217 and 594)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
7 studies / 3 irritating / 3 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 217 and 594)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
24 studies / 15 irritating / 3 mixed / 6 not irritating / reactions slight to strong / plus 1 case report (CIR 217 and 594)
Mixed Sensitization Results
17 studies / 1 sensitizing / 3 mixed / 13 not sensitizing / plus 10 case reports (CIR 217 and 594)
Dermal Absorption 0.5–80%
4 animal and lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 594)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2013
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR