Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine is an organic amine and triol commonly used in personal care as a pH adjuster and neutralizing base. It stabilizes emulsions and activates carbomer gels while fine-tuning the finished formula's pH.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Helps balance a formula's pH and keep emulsions stable and smooth.
Category
Emulsifying
Type
pH Adjuster

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps products perform consistently by keeping textures uniform and comfortable to apply, and balances acidity to a suitable range for skin-contact formulas.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in gels, lotions, and creams to set the right pH and build structure, and in cleansers to fine-tune formula feel, plus hair styling gels for thickening and clarity.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

May cause mild to moderate irritation for some, especially at higher concentrations or elevated pH. In the EU, use is restricted (typically to 2.5% or less), it should not be combined with nitrosating systems, and nitrosamine content must be controlled. Generally safe as formulated when manufacturers follow these limits.

Is Triethanolamine a Good Ingredient?

It rates Fair because, while it's reliable for neutralizing acids and stabilizing gels, it can irritate skin at higher use levels or unfavorable pH, and it carries a nitrosamine-formation risk if the formula isn't handled carefully.

Products with Triethanolamine

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