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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine

Summary

Triethanolamine is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is commonly used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in a wide range of personal care products. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is soluble in water and has a slightly ammoniacal odor. Triethanolamine is known for its ability to neutralize acidic ingredients and adjust the pH of formulations, making it an essential component in many skincare and haircare products. Additionally, it can help to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture and feel of products. While triethanolamine is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, it is important to use it in accordance with industry guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of products.

INCI Name and Common References

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name: Triethanolamine Common terms: TEA Nicknames: None

Function

Triethanolamine is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier, pH adjuster, and buffering agent. It helps to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, improve the texture and spreadability of products, and adjust the pH of formulations to ensure they are gentle and non-irritating to the skin. Additionally, triethanolamine can act as a solubilizer, helping to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation and improve their efficacy. However, it is important to note that triethanolamine can be irritating to the skin in high concentrations, so it should be used in moderation and in combination with other ingredients that can help to mitigate its potential side effects.

Science

Triethanolamine is a viscous, colorless liquid that is commonly used as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in cosmetic and personal care products. It works by reacting with acids to form salts, which can help to neutralize the pH of a product and make it more stable. Additionally, triethanolamine has surfactant properties, meaning it can help to mix oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. Its physical properties also make it a good solvent for other ingredients, allowing them to dissolve and blend more easily. Overall, triethanolamine is a versatile ingredient that can improve the performance and stability of many different types of cosmetic and personal care products.

Benefits

Triethanolamine is a versatile ingredient that can provide several skincare benefits. It is commonly used as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in skincare products. Some of the benefits that users can expect from this ingredient include: 1. Moisturizing: Triethanolamine can help to hydrate and moisturize the skin, making it feel soft and supple. 2. Anti-inflammatory: This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. 3. Exfoliating: Triethanolamine can act as a mild exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. 4. Anti-aging: Triethanolamine can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look more youthful and radiant. 5. Sun protection: This ingredient can also help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, such as UV damage and premature aging. Overall, triethanolamine is a beneficial ingredient that can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Negatives

Triethanolamine is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be taken into consideration. One of the most common side effects of triethanolamine is skin irritation. This can occur in people with sensitive skin or in those who use products containing high concentrations of the ingredient. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and burning. Triethanolamine can also interact with other ingredients in a product, particularly those that are acidic. When combined with acids, triethanolamine can form nitrosamines, which are potentially carcinogenic. For this reason, it is important to avoid using products that contain triethanolamine with acidic ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). In addition, triethanolamine can be sensitizing to the eyes and respiratory system. Exposure to high concentrations of the ingredient can cause eye irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. For this reason, it is important to use products containing triethanolamine in a well-ventilated area and to avoid getting the product in your eyes. Overall, while triethanolamine is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that may occur. If you experience any adverse reactions to a product containing triethanolamine, discontinue use immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.

Source

Triethanolamine is a synthetic ingredient that is derived from the reaction between ethylene oxide and ammonia. It is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emulsifier, pH adjuster, and surfactant. The processing pathway for triethanolamine involves the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia to form monoethanolamine, which is then reacted with additional ethylene oxide to form diethanolamine. Finally, diethanolamine is reacted with more ethylene oxide to produce triethanolamine.

Safety

Triethanolamine has a moderate safety rating score based on other rating systems such as EWG Skin Deep. It has been rated as a 5-6 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most hazardous. This rating is based on concerns about its potential to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and organ toxicity. However, it is important to note that the safety of triethanolamine can vary depending on the concentration and use in a product. Overall, it is recommended to use products containing triethanolamine in moderation and to avoid prolonged exposure.

Sustainability

Triethanolamine is a chemical compound commonly used in the cosmetics and personal care industry as an emulsifier, pH adjuster, and surfactant. While it is generally considered safe for use in these products, its environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices have been a cause for concern. Triethanolamine is derived from ethylene oxide, which is a known carcinogen and can also be harmful to aquatic life. Additionally, the production of triethanolamine can result in the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the environment. In terms of ethical sourcing practices, there have been reports of labor abuses in the production of ethylene oxide, which raises questions about the ethical implications of using triethanolamine in cosmetics and personal care products. It is important for companies to ensure that their suppliers are adhering to ethical labor practices and taking steps to minimize their environmental impact. Overall, while triethanolamine is a useful ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, its environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices should be carefully considered by companies and consumers alike. Efforts should be made to minimize its impact on the environment and ensure that it is sourced ethically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Triethanolamine is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in various industries due to its ability to act as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant. While it has been deemed safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, there are concerns about its potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Triethanolamine can be sourced from various manufacturers and is commonly found in skincare products, hair care products, and cleaning agents. However, its sustainability is questionable due to its potential environmental impact. Overall, while Triethanolamine has its benefits, it is important to use it in moderation and with caution.

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