murphyTromethamine
AKA: Trometamol, 77-86-1, Tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, Trisamine, 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1, 3-propanediol, Tris buffer, Tromethane, Tris-base
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from ammonia and triethanolamine precursors through organic synthesis reactions. Produced via condensation and neutralization processes to create the final buffer compound.
Tris is a primary amino compound that is tert-butylamine in which one hydrogen attached to each methyl group is replaced by a hydroxy group. A compound widely used as a biological buffer substance in the pH range 79; pKa = 8.3 at 20 C; pKa = 7.82 at 37 C. It has a role as a buffer. It is a triol and a primary amino compound. It is a conjugate base of a member of Htris.
Solubility 79.1 mg/mL in ethylene glycol; 26 mg/mL in methanol; 14.6 mg/mL in anhyd ethanol; 22 mg/mL in 95% ethanol; 14 mg/mL in dimethyl formamide; 20 mg/mL in acetone; 0.5 mg/mL in ethyl acetate; 0.4 mg/mL in olive oil; 0.1 mg/mL in cyclohexane; 0.05 mg/mL in chloroform; less than 0.05 mg/mL in carbon tetrachloride
Formula
C4H11NO3
Mol. Weight
121.14
CAS #
77-86-1
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid; Other Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Buffering
Provides scent
Maintains optimal pH
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 630)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 2 mixed / 7 not irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 630)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 630)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0002–2%
Rinse-off0.00009–3.7%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR