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Triethanolamine

The pH balancer.

What it does

Adjusts a product's pH and helps oil and water mix into a smooth cream or gel.

Good to know

It can form nitrosamines if mixed with certain other ingredients, so the EU sets purity rules. A large German patch-test study found skin allergy to it is uncommon.

Often found in: Shaving foams, Sunscreens, Hair gels, Shower gels

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: Max 2.5% in leave-on products. Not to be mixed with nitrosating ingredients, and strict purity limits apply. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: Allowed up to 5%. Above that it's controlled (Schedule 5). Source

Sources

• Skin sensitizing properties of mono-, di- and triethanolamine, multicentre patch-test data (Contact Dermatitis, 2009) (Medical)