Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine (CAS 102-71-6), commonly abbreviated as TEA, is an amino alcohol used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and neutralizing agent.

Where is Triethanolamine used?

• Coatings and adhesives: curing accelerator
• Epoxy and polyurethane systems: crosslinker improving adhesion and film integrity
• Personal care: neutralizes carbomer and acrylate polymers for stable gels
• Lotions, sunscreens, and hair products
• Topical pharmaceuticals: pH adjustment for API stability and skin compatibility
• Metalworking and industrial cleaning fluids: corrosion inhibitor and emulsifying agent
• Its dual amine-alcohol functionality stabilizes formulations and activates crosslinking reactions.
• In pharmaceutical formulations, it can increase the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• It reacts with fatty acids to form TEA soaps, such as TEA stearate in vanishing creams and TEA oleate in polishes and industrial emulsions.

Formulation notes

• For emulsification, typical concentrations are 2-4% v/v triethanolamine and 2-5 times the amount of fatty acids.

Typical specification

• Color: 50 Pt-Co max.
• Triethanolamine content: minimum 70 wt%.
• Water content: 13-17 wt%.

Regulatory status

• Swiss authorities restricted the use of triethanolamine to preparations for external use only due to concerns about possible nitrosamine formation in the stomach.

Storage, packaging and handling

• It tends to solidify below 20 °C and should be dissolved in a warm environment before use.
• Preparations containing triethanolamine soaps tend to thicken during storage, but discoloration can be reduced by avoiding exposure to light and contact with metals and metal ions.

Frequently asked questions about Triethanolamine

What dosage of triethanolamine is required for emulsifying mineral oils?

For mineral oils, 5% v/v triethanolamine is required with a corresponding increase in the amount of fatty acid used.

What forms and grades of triethanolamine are commercially available?

Triethanolamine is available in various forms and grades including technical, reactive, lauryl sulfate, and salicylate.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.