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InventoryRef 3870215/10/2010

TRIETHANOLAMINE

2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol

TRIETHANOLAMINE is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page. Inventory note: III/62.

Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Restricted entry found
Open this evidence
1English and EU languages
Great BritainSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
CanadaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and French
New ZealandSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
ASEANSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and national languages
ChinaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence
1English
BrazilSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 102-71-6
CAS 102-71-6PubChem CID 7618

Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine is a tertiary amino compound that is ammonia in which each of the hydrogens is substituted by a 2-hydroxyethyl group. It has a role as a surfactant and a buffer. It is an amino alcohol, a triol and a tertiary amino compound. It is functionally related to a triethylamine. It is a conjugate base of a triethanolammonium. ChEBI

IUPAC name
2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol
Molecular formula
C6H15NO3
Molecular weight
149.19 g/mol
Exact mass
149.10519334 Da
XLogP3
-1.0
Topological polar surface area
63.9 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
3
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
4
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Trolamine2,2',2''-NitrilotriethanolSterolamideDaltogenTris(2-hydroxyethyl)amineNitrilotriethanolTriethylolamineTrihydroxytriethylamine
16 more reported names
Thiofaco T-35Sting-KillTriethanolaminTri(hydroxyethyl)amineTeoaTris(beta-hydroxyethyl)amineNitrilo-2,2',2''-triethanolEthanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-TEA (amino alcohol)Tris(hydroxyethyl)amineTriethanolamin-NGH3teaTriaethanolamin-NGMobisylN(CH2CH2OH)32,2',2''-Nitrilotrisethanol
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:28621

triethanolamine

A tertiary amino compound that is ammonia in which each of the hydrogens is substituted by a 2-hydroxyethyl group.

Formula
C6H15NO3
Average mass
149.190 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
149.10519 Da
Formal charge
0
  • amino alcohol — is a (CHEBI:22478)
  • triol — is a (CHEBI:27136)
  • tertiary amino compound — is a (CHEBI:50996)
  • anti-ulcer drug — has role (CHEBI:49201)
  • buffer — has role (CHEBI:35225)
  • surfactant — has role (CHEBI:35195)
  • triethylamine — has functional parent (CHEBI:35026)
  • anti-ulcer drug — has role (CHEBI:49201)
  • buffer — has role (CHEBI:35225)
  • surfactant — has role (CHEBI:35195)
  • amino alcohol — is a (CHEBI:22478)
  • triol — is a (CHEBI:27136)
  • tertiary amino compound — is a (CHEBI:50996)
  • triethanolammonium — is conjugate base of (CHEBI:132755)
Additional curated names
2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol2,2',2''-NITRILOTRIETHANOL2,2',2''-nitrilotris(ethanol)H3teaN(CH2CH2OH)3nitrilo-2,2',2''-triethanolnitrilotriethanolNSC-36718TEAtriethanolamineTriethanolaminetris(2-hydroxyethyl)aminetris(beta-hydroxyethyl)aminetrolamineTrolamine
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 102-71-6 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 102-71-6 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 102-71-6 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 1699263 — Reaxys
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 211 — PDBeChem
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 2768 — DrugCentral
  • MANUAL_X_REF: c0491 — UM-BBD
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C06771 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: CPD0-2459 — MetaCyc
  • MANUAL_X_REF: D00215 — KEGG DRUG
  • MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0032538 — HMDB
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Triethanolamine — Wikipedia

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2017-02-22. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7618

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whene Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 80.1% (4848 of 6052) of all reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H319 (18.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P264+P265, P280, P305+P351+P338, and P337+P317 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 6052 reports by companies from 39 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 4848 of 6052 reports by companies.; There are 35 notifications provided by 1204 of 6052 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Warning Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
  • NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that TEA and the 31 related TEA-containing ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating and when the levels of free diethanolamine do not exceed the present practices of use and concentration of diethanolamine itself. These ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed...Triethanolamine... Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Triethanolamine (TEA) is a colorless, or pale yellow viscous liquid. Triethanolamine is used in the manufacture of emulsifiers and dispersing agents for textile specialties, agricultural chemicals, waxes, mineral and vegetable oils, paraffin, polishes, cutting oils, petroleum demulsifiers, and cement additives. It is an intermediate for resins, plasticizers, and rubber chemicals. It is used as a lubricant in the textile industry, as a humectant and softening agent for hides, as an alkalizing agent and surfactant in pharmaceuticals, as an absorbent for acid gases, and in organic syntheses. It can be useful for rapid detection and identification of chemical warfare agents. TEA has been tested as experimental therapy. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Triethanolamine produce mild skin irritation only in concentrations above 5%. It has not been shown to be a sensitizer. Triethanolamine has been identified as causing allergic contact dermatitis, erythematous vesicular lesions, eczema, contact dermatitis, and irritation in workers exposed to triethanolamine in their occupations. A total of 1,357 patients suspected of having allergic eczematous contact dermatitis were p Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: BCFs of <0.4 and <3.9 were reported using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed to respective concentrations of 2.5 and 25 ppm of triethanolamine over a 6-week period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCFs suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that triethanolamine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of triethanolamine is 7.76(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of the cation from moist soil is not expected because cations do not volatilize(SRC). Volatilization of neutral triethanolamine from moist soil surfaces is not expected (SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-6 mm Hg(5), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(6). Triethanolamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(5). Triethanolamine may biodegrade in soil based on a number of screening tests with results of no biodegradation using the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) test for 14 days(7) to 97% using the French Association fo Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that triethanolamine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 7.76(3) indicates triethanolamine will exist partially in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces of the cation is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Volatilization of neutral triethanolamine from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-6 mm Hg(5), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(6). Triethanolamine is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4). According to a classification scheme(7), BCFs of <0.4 and <3.9 measured in carp(8), suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Triethanolamine reached 70% of its Theoretical oxygen demand after 10 days in acclimated Kanawha River water using a sewage inoculum(9), suggesting that biodegadatio Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), triethanolamine, which has a vapor pressure of 3.59X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethanolamine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.5 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.1X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase triethanolamine may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Triethanolamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified; pH regulating agent; Anti-freeze agent; Other; Lubricating agent; Drier; Intermediate; Fragrance; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Corrosion inhibitor; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Other; Lubricating agent; Anti-freeze agent; Plating agent; pH regulating agent; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Emulsifier; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Waterproofing agent; Corrosion inhibitor; Hydraulic fluids; Flux agent; Fragrance; Cleaning agent; Surface modifier; Defoamer; Laboratory chemicals; Dye; Etching agent; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Drier; Chelating agent; Intermediate Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Triethanolamine Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as an intermediate for surface active agents, textile specialties, waxes, polishes, herbicides, petroleum demulsifiers, toilet goods, cement additives, cutting oils, and other chemicals, for increasing penetration of organic liquids into wood and paper, producing lubricants for textile industry, making emulsions with mineral oils, vegetable oils, paraffin, and waxes, as solvent for casein, shellac, dyes, and natural rubber, for wool scouring, as water-repellent for textiles, dispersion agent, corrosion inhibitor, softening agent, emulsifier, humectant, plasticizer, chelating agent, rubber accelerator, in amino resin adhesives formulations, to recover hydrogen sulfide from sour natural gases and sour crude petroleum, in cement production (milling process and to improve the flow and setting properties), as lubricant additive, initiator for poly triol production, and pharmaceutic aid (alkalizing agent; [HSDB] Used as an emulsifier and surfactant in various cleaning products, polishes, metalworking fluids, paints, and printing inks, and as an alkalinizing agent in personal care products; [REPROTOX] Used as stabilizer or inhibitor in pre-emergence pesticides; [ExPub: EPA - TSCATS] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Acid and Alkali Cleaning of Metals [Category: Clean]; Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine]; Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]; Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Cement Producing [Category: Industry]; Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For triethanolamine (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 004208) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled." Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Chemical intermediate for salts of fatty acids (anionic surfactants), alkyl benzenesulfonate anionic surfactants, alkyl sulfates (anionic surfactants), herbicide 2,4-d triethanolamine salt, herbicide triethanolamine-copper complex; solvent for natural rubber Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Intermediate in the manufacture of surface active agents, textile specialties, waxes, polishes, herbicides, petroleum demulsifiers, toilet goods, cement additives, cutting oils. In making emulsions with mineral and vegetable oils, paraffin and waxes. Solvent for casein, shellac, dyes; manufacturing synthetic resins; increasing the penetration of organic liquids into wood and paper. In the production of lubricants for the textile industry. Pharmaceutic aid (alkalizer). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for TRIETHANOLAMINE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >50; Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.000611; Calculated removal (%): 92.1 Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for TRIETHANOLAMINE

INCI name

TRIETHANOLAMINE

INN name

trolamine

Description

2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol

Record provenance

Inventory reference
38702
Imported identity
TRIETHANOLAMINE
Source update
15/10/2010
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

Restriction
III/62
Function
BUFFERING
Stabilising the pH of an aqueous medium in a narrow range even if an acid or base is added. Altering and/or maintaining a cosmetic product's pH at the desired level.
FRAGRANCE
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

How TRIETHANOLAMINE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists TRIETHANOLAMINE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

TRIETHANOLAMINE is also tagged with 4 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

TRIETHANOLAMINE appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

The restriction field for TRIETHANOLAMINE reads: "III/62". This is the restriction note recorded in the CosIng inventory for this ingredient. For authoritative conditions and limits, always refer to the linked annex entries above.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, TRIETHANOLAMINE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 102-71-6 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.

Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.

Source note for TRIETHANOLAMINE

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for TRIETHANOLAMINE with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research TRIETHANOLAMINE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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