Triethanolamine
Decode Label flags Triethanolamine as a low concern in cosmetics and personal care (skin irritant). It appears in 3 of the 912 published products we have analysed (0.3%).
The concern
pH adjuster/emulsifier - can form nitrosamines with nitrosating agents
Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster and emulsifier. EU rules restrict alkanolamines because they can react with nitrosating agents (some preservatives) to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic; products must be formulated to avoid this. It can irritate skin at higher concentrations.
Most relevant to
Cited authority
EU Regulation 1223/2009 (Annex III restrictions on alkanolamines and nitrosamine formation); SCCS
Linked sources: EU-CosIng →
How common it is in this catalogue
Measured across every product Decode Label has analysed — not estimated, and not taken from anyone else's dataset.
By category
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Restricted | Annex III 62 | (a) Leave-on products (b) Rinse-off products max (a) 2.5% | View → |
Identity
- Canonical name
- Trialkylamines, trialkanolamines and their salts
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Triethanolamine safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 permits Triethanolamine in cosmetics only within set limits (Annex III, entry 62). Why it is flagged: pH adjuster/emulsifier - can form nitrosamines with nitrosating agents. Decode Label treats it as a low concern in cosmetics and personal care. It appears in 3 of the 912 published products we have analysed (0.3%).
How common is Triethanolamine in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label found Triethanolamine in 3 of 912 published products (0.3%), most often in Skincare, Bath & Body.
Is Triethanolamine restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Triethanolamine has 1 restricted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Triethanolamine?
People with sensitive skin; People who are pregnant.
Products containing Triethanolamine
3 published products, each with its own full analysis.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 912 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 3 November 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.