INCI name

TRIETHANOLAMINE

TEA

Buffering Surfactant – emulsifying Fragrance Surfactant – cleansingreviewed

An alkaline ingredient used to adjust pH and neutralise acids.

What it is

Triethanolamine is an organic amine. It neutralises acidic ingredients such as carbomer or fatty acids, forming thickened gels or soaps, and adjusts the pH of formulas. In the EU it is restricted in Annex III, including limits and a ban on use with nitrosating agents.

Where it is used

Found in gels, creams, cleansers, shaving products and some hair products.

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 its conditions of use; the label does not show the amount 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.
Surfactant – emulsifying: Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
Fragrance: Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
Surfactant – cleansing: Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

EU regulation

EU · Annex III, entry 62Trialkylamines, trialkanolamines and their salts

Product type: (a) Leave-on products (b) Rinse-off products
Maximum concentration: (a) 2.5%
As of: 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Products with this ingredient (759)

Check a full ingredient list