What is Triethanolamine? The effects of this substance in cosmetics

Have you ever held a bottle of your favorite moisturizer, flipped it over to look at the ingredient list and found the name “Triethanolamine” quietly at the end? Among a forest of fancy natural extracts or famous treatment active ingredients, Triethanolamine often appears as a quiet supporting character but causes a lot of controversy in the beauty community. Many people are worried, even hesitant when seeing its name, while formulators consider it the “key” to creating the perfect product texture. So in fact What is triethanolamine?? Is it a toxic chemical to avoid, or a necessary technical ingredient to keep your lotion from separating?

To answer this question, we cannot rely on unverified rumors alone. At drnguyengiap.com, we believe that a deep understanding of skin science and cosmetic chemistry is the best way to protect your health. Let's dive into the nature of Triethanolamine, from its molecular structure to its actual effects on the skin, so you can confidently make decisions about your daily skin care routine.

What is triethanolamine (TEA)? Identify chemical characteristics and structures

To understand the industry What is Triethanolaminewe need to look at the “birth certificate” the chemistry of it. Triethanolamine, often abbreviated as TEA, is an organic compound with the chemical formula is C₆H₁₅NO₃.

If you look under a microscope, molecule, you will see it is a unique combination between an amine and three alcohol groups (alcohol). The structure of this hybrid gives TEA the chemical characteristics interesting that rare quality which have been.

About origin, Triethanolamine not available in nature to our extract as coconut oil or aloe vera. It is the product of chemical reactions between two-component precursor is Ethylene oxide and Ammonia.

This process creates a viscous, viscous liquid that can be colorless or pale yellow depending on the purity and storage time. If you have the opportunity to smell pure TEA in the laboratory, you will notice that it has a very characteristic slight ammonia smell, however, when put into cosmetics at low concentrations, this smell almost completely disappears or is overwhelmed by fragrance.

• A prominent feature helps TEA became so popular is great tan. It dissolves very well in water and ethanol, at the same time possesses a slightly alkaline. The alkaline this is a key factor to decide its role in regulating the pH of the product.
• On cosmetic packaging labels, in addition to the international name Triethanolamine, you will sometimes see it "hidden" in combined forms such as Triethanolamine Stearate (when combined with stearic acid), Triethanolamine Laurate, or most commonly seen in hair gels or aloe vera gels is the phrase "Carbomer neutralized with TEA".
• Imagine TEA like a “mediator” in the world of chemistry. It stands between the components, to help them live together peacefully. However, precisely because is a compound synthesized from a chemical reaction, the purity of the TEA problem is extremely important.

The products contain TEA of inferior quality possible impurities, and this is the source of the of the concerns about health that we will analyze more thoroughly in the following section.

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Why is Triethanolamine widely used? 3 core roles

If triethanolamine is so controversial, why do major cosmetic manufacturers still favor using it in millions of products worldwide, from sunscreens, cleansers to topical medications? The answer lies in what triethanolamine does to the stability and appearance of the product. It performs three core roles that are difficult to replace perfectly at a reasonable cost.

The first and most important is the role High pH adjustment (pH Adjuster). Our skin has natural pH slightly acidic (about 4.5 – 5.5), while many of the characteristics or quality against acidic too strong or alkalinity too high.

• For example, the Carbomer is a gelling popular (products that help shape the jelly in veo), but when dissolved in water, it is highly acidic and can not swell into gel. At this time, people few drops of TEA (alkaline) to neutralize.
• Immediately, the mixture will toggle the state, becomes dense, transparent and stable. The pH balance is not only important in terms of texture, but also help protect the durability of the high sensitivity, such as What is Coenzyme Q10? or Vitamin C, which is very prone to decay if the environment pH is not suitable.

Role Monday as emulsifier (Emulsifier). We all know oil and water don't ever dissolve into each other. But a jar of lotion (Lotion/Cream) is the mixture of water and the nourishing oil.

To get them to “hold hands” to form a smooth, uniform cream, we need an emulsifier. TEA, especially when combined with fatty acids (like stearic acid), forms a TEA-based soap that acts as a great emulsifier. It helps disperse the tiny oil particles into the water, preventing separation (sugar water, sugar water) even if you leave that jar of cream on the shelf for a year.

The ability to emulsify this is especially important when the recipe contains ingredients original oil squeamish or the active substance dissolved in the oil as What is Evening Primrose Oil (oil primrose), to help them blend smoother to wallpaper products.

Finally, the TEA is app industry thanks to its ability to increase the permeability and stability. In some cases, it helps soften the horny layer on the surface of the skin, support other active substances to penetrate deeper.

For example, when you use products that contain acids exfoliate gently as Mandelic Acid is whatto have a stable background thanks to the TEA helps acid evenly distributed on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation locally. In addition to cosmetics, in industry, TEA is also an additive in cement, anti-corrosion and solvent in the ink, and shows the flexibility incredible small molecule this baby.

Is triethanolamine safe? Cancer risk analysis and controversies

This is the "hottest" part and the reason why many consumers ask the question "Is triethanolamine harmful?". As a doctor, Dr. Nguyen Giap always wants you to look at the problem from an objective scientific perspective: not panic for no reason but also not subjective. The safety of TEA depends entirely on its concentration, usage and purity.

The first and most common risk is skin and eye irritation. TEA is an alkaline substance, and at high concentrations (above 5%), it can cause contact dermatitis. Common symptoms include redness, itching, burning, or peeling, especially in delicate areas such as around the eyes and eyelids. That is why if an eye cream containing TEA accidentally gets on your mucous membranes, you will immediately feel a burning sensation and watery eyes.

People who have a history Sensitive Skin: or are there open wounds need to be especially cautious. It can also cause cross-reactivity if you are using the active substance as strong as Vitamin B3 is what (Niacinamide) in high concentrations, making the skin prone to flushing (flushing) more.

However, the biggest worry is not irritation to the outside, which is the risk of cancer related to Nitrosamines. Themselves Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic.

However, if TEA is combined with substances belonging to the Nitrosating agents group (usually nitrite salts used as preservatives), they can react chemically to create N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). NDELA is a substance that has been shown to cause cancer when absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the bodies of laboratory animals.

Because of this risk, the agency safety management as CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) of the U.s. and SCCS of Europe have given the rules are extremely strict:

• Absolute forbidden to use TEA at the same time with other substances that forms Nitrosamines in the same formula.
• Source material TEA to ensure maximum purity (content of diethanolamine impurities must be below the specified level).
• End products must be packaged in sealed containers to avoid contamination from the environment.

Thus, the answer to the TEA harmful or not the manufacturer has complied with safety procedures or not. With the reputable brand, this risk has been tightly controlled.

What products often contain Triethanolamine?

Due to its versatility as both emulsifier, has a high pH correction, Triethanolamine (TEA) appear in a long list of products the personal care that can you are use daily.

Below are the most popular cosmetic commonly associated with TEA in the ingredients:

• Makeup products (Makeup): Mascara, eyeliner water (eyeliner), foundation cream (foundation) and blusher form of a cream. TEA help of these products durable color and no lumps.
• what is triethanolamine used for in skin care: Sunscreen, moisturizer, lotion, and skin-soothing gels (like aloe vera gel).
• Cleansing products: facial cleanser, shower gel, hand soap and water to remove makeup. In this group, TEA foaming and cleansing oil.
• Hair care products: Gel, hair dyes, shampoo and conditioner. Especially in the hair dye, TEA helps to open the hair cuticle to color dye penetrate more deeply.
• Pharmaceutical topical: some kind of ointment treatment of burns, topical cream to relieve muscle pain or gel antiseptic also used TEA excipients.

To get to know you, please search the following keywords on the bottle label: Triethanolamine, TEA, Trolamin or the compound comes as TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, TEA-Stearate.

Instructions for safe use and selection of products containing Triethanolamine

After you have understood, facial benefits and harms, how to we live together safely with this component?

Here is the practical guide helps you become informed consumer attitude.

1. First, pay attention to product type and duration of exposure. Triethanolamine is considered to be much safer in the product washout (Rinse-off products), such as facial cleanser, shampoo, shower gel.
2. The simple reason is they are only in contact with the skin in a short time (1-2 minutes) and then wash clean, minimize the possibility of osmosis and cause irritation.
3. On the contrary, with products that remain on the skin (Leave-on products) such as creams, serums, sleeping masks, the concentration of TEA must be lower (usually recommended below 5%, and in fact in modern cosmetics, it is often only used below 1% to adjust pH).

A question that Dr. Nguyen Giap receives a lot is: can pregnant women use triethanolamine? Currently, there is no clear clinical evidence that TEA causes birth defects when used topically at low concentrations in cosmetics. The US FDA classifies TEA as safe when used properly. However, pregnant women have a very strong hormonal change, making their skin more sensitive than ever.

Therefore, safety tips for pregnant mothers is:

Make it a habit to check the composition panel (Check-list). If you see “Triethanolamine” appeared at the same time with preservatives such as “Sodium Nitrite” or “Bronopol” (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol – compounds may liberate nitrite), please put the product it down immediately.

This is the sign of a recipe outdated and potential risks formation of cancer-causing substances.

Finally, let's preserve your cosmetics properly. TEA is very easy to be oxidized and change color when exposed to air, light and strong. Always tighten the cap after use and cool place. If you find product discolored brown or smells strange, don't regret but please discontinue use immediately.

Triethanolamine is a typical example showing that in cosmetic chemistry, no ingredient is completely bad or completely good. It all depends on how we understand and use it. Hopefully this article has helped you decode the mysteries surrounding TEA to feel more secure on your beauty care journey.

RESULTS CLIENT AT DOCTOR NGUYEN GIAP