An amino alcohol used as a buffering agent, regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Isopropanolamine is 1-aminopropan-2-ol, a small amino alcohol with a primary amine group. CosIng lists it as a buffering ingredient, used to adjust pH. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions).
Where it is used
Found in hair care products, skin care products and other products where the pH is adjusted.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits and conditions. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Buffering
- Stabilising the pH of an aqueous medium in a narrow range even if an acid or base is added. Altering and/or maintaining a cosmetic product's pH at the desired level.
EU regulation
EU · Annex III, entry 61Monoalkylamines, monoalkanolamines and their salts
- Maximum concentration
- Maximum secondary amine content: 0.5%
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223