What is TRIETHANOLAMINE and what does it do?

Role: PH ADJUSTER

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Comedogenic index: 2

TRIETHANOLAMINE is an ingredient that helps adjust the pH of a cosmetic formulation. This ingredient is highly alkaline.
Triethanolamine is also an emulsifier. It is created from ethylene oxide and ammonia, which gives triethanolamine a nitrogen core and an odor similar to ammonia.

Triethanolamine also helps improve product texture. It also adds volume and thickness to a product.

Like all amines, it has the potential to form nitrosamines.
There is some controversy as to whether this actually poses a problem for the skin, given the low concentrations used in cosmetic products and the theory that nitrosamines cannot penetrate the skin. Triethanolamine, commonly known as TEA, is generally used in quantities below 1% in cosmetic products; concentrations of 2.5% have been found to be non-irritating when applied to the skin.

In the presence of nitrites, TEA can form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. However, it is important to note that the risk of nitrosamine formation remains very low in everyday cosmetic use.

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