Triethanolamine oleate

Triethanolamine oleate (CAS 2717-15-9), also known as TEA-Oleate or Triethanolammonium oleate, is an anionic surfactant formed from the salt of triethanolamine and oleic acid.

It functions primarily as an emulsifier, lubricant, and cleaning agent across industrial and personal care manufacturing. In metalworking fluids, it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and provides lubrication.

This chemical is essential in cutting, grinding, and rolling operations, reducing tool wear and improving surface finish. Textile processors use it as a softening and lubricating agent during fiber treatment.

Consistent emulsion stability is critical to process performance during fabric finishing. In leather processing, it supports fat liquoring and degreasing steps, helping to distribute conditioning agents evenly.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into creams and lotions as an emulsifying agent. It is particularly useful in formulations where a mild anionic surfactant is preferred over more aggressive alternatives.

Triethanolamine oleate is typically supplied as a viscous liquid or paste, depending on concentration and temperature. It is available in technical grade for industrial applications including metalworking.

Textile processing and leather treatment also utilize the technical grade material. Cosmetic-grade material meeting relevant purity standards is also commercially available for personal care formulation use.