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InventoryRef 8455515/10/2010

DIETHANOLAMINE

2,2'-iminodiethanol

DIETHANOLAMINE is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page. Inventory note: II/411.

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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
Prohibited 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
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 111-42-2
CAS 111-42-2PubChem CID 8113

Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine is a member of the class of ethanolamines that is ethanolamine having a N-hydroxyethyl substituent. It has a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is functionally related to an ethanolamine. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethanol
Molecular formula
C4H11NO2
Molecular weight
105.14 g/mol
Exact mass
105.078978594 Da
XLogP3
-1.4
Topological polar surface area
52.5 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
3
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

2,2'-IminodiethanolDiolamineIminodiethanolBis(2-hydroxyethyl)amineDiethanolaminDiethylolamine2,2'-DihydroxydiethylamineN,N-Diethanolamine
16 more reported names
Ethanol, 2,2'-iminobis-Di(2-hydroxyethyl)amine2,2'-IminobisethanolN,N'-IminodiethanolNiax DEOA-LFDiaethanolaminBis(hydroxyethyl)amineDabco DEOA-LF2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethan-1-olN,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine2,2'-Iminodi-1-ethanolN,N-Di(hydroxyethyl)amineH2deaNCI-C55174Di(beta-hydroxyethyl)amine2,2'Iminobisethanol
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8113

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
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H373 **: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.5% (17 of 3242) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (98.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315 (99.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318 (99.5%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H373 (89.4%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 3242 reports by companies from 85 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 17 of 3242 reports by companies.; There are 84 notifications provided by 3225 of 3242 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: H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P272, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • NFPA Health Rating: 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent 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 diethanolamine and the 16 related salts listed below are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. The Expert Panel cautions that ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed. Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for diethanolamine(SRC), using a log Kow of -1.43(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a reported Koc value of 3.97(2), indicates that diethanolamine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of diethanolamine is 8.96(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 diethanolamine from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 2.8X10-4 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 1X10+6 mg/L(5) and its pKa(3). Diethanolamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(5). Diethanolamine is expected to biodegrade in soil; however, studies show the rate of degradation can vary widely depending on the conditions and acclimation of the soil(6). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a reported Koc value of 3.97(2), indicates that diethanolamine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization of the neutral form from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.8X10-4 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1X10+6 mg/L(4). A pKa of 8.96(5) indicates diethanolamine will exist partially in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces of the cation form is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -1.43(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Diethanolamine is expected to biodegrade in water; however, studies show the rate of degradation can vary widely depending on the conditions and acclimation state(9). 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), diethanolamine, which has a vapor pressure of 2.8X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethanolamine 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 4 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Diethanolamine 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)
  • Industry Uses: Intermediate; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Laboratory chemicals; Surface modifier; Cleaning agent; Hydraulic fluids; Waterproofing agent; Corrosion inhibitor; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Catalyst; Emulsifier; Tanning agents not otherwise specified; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Anti-freeze agent; Lubricating agent; Other Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Diethanolamine Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Uses: Diethanolamine is used in cutting oils, soaps, shampoos, cleaners, polishers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as an intermediate in the rubber chemicals industry, as a humectant and softening agent, and as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in various agricultural chemicals. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a detergent in paints, cutting oils, and cleaners; also used to make resins and plasticizers; [ACGIH] Used in metalworking fluids for cutting, stamping, and die-casting operations; [HSDB] Used in photography (color developing baths); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine]; Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: To scrub gases as indicated under ethanolamine. Diethanolamine can be used with cracking gases and coal or oil gases which contain carbonyl sulfide that would react with monoethanolamine. As rubber chemicals intermediate. In the manufacture of surface active agents used in textile specialties, herbicides, petroleum demulsifiers. As emulsifier & dispersing agent in various agricultural chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In the production of lubricants for the textile industry. As humectant and softening agent. In buffer formulations. In organic synthesis. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Liquid detergents for emulsions of paints, shampoos, cleaners, and polishes; chemical intermediate for resins, plasticizers, etc; solubilizing 2,4-D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: A series of polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membranes with various polymer concentrations (13-16 wt.%) for CO2 stripping process in membrane contactor application was fabricated via wet phase inversion method... CO2 stripping performance was investigated via membrane contactor system in a stainless steel module with aqueous diethanolamine as liquid absorbent... Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: /Expl use/ Solid nanoparticles consisting of biodegradable polymers have emerged as a promising carrier for various drugs, but unfortunately the encapsulation of drugs remains challenging. In this study, a technique for encapsulation of water-soluble drugs in solid nanoparticles was developed. Nanoparticles were prepared from a blend of biodegradable polymers, including poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA), and monomethoxypolyethyleneglycol-polylactide block copolymer by an oil-in-water solvent diffusion method. Betamethasone sodium phosphate (BP) was not encapsulated by the nanoparticles due to its hydrophilicity, but it was effectively encapsulated in the presence of appropriate amounts of zinc and diethanolamine. It was found that BP formed an ionic complex with zinc at a certain pH range obtained by addition of diethanolamine. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for DIETHANOLAMINE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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
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 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for DIETHANOLAMINE

INCI name

DIETHANOLAMINE

Description

2,2'-iminodiethanol

Record provenance

Inventory reference
84555
Imported identity
DIETHANOLAMINE
Source update
15/10/2010
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

CAS
111-42-2
EC
203-868-0
Restriction
II/411
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.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

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

#8552 · DIETHANOLAMINE

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

DEFINED CELL CULTURE MEDIA 17BUFFERING, HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, VISCOSIT…
DIAMMONIUM CITRATEBUFFERING, CHELATING
DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATEANTICORROSIVE, BUFFERING, ORAL CARE
DIBUTYL ETHANOLAMINEBUFFERING
DIETHANOLAMINE BISULFATEBUFFERING
DIETHYL ETHANOLAMINEBUFFERING
DIETHYLAMINEBUFFERING, FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING
DIHYDROXYACETIC ACIDANTISTATIC, BUFFERING, HAIR WAVING OR STRAIGHTENING

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How DIETHANOLAMINE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists DIETHANOLAMINE 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.

DIETHANOLAMINE is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function 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

DIETHANOLAMINE 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 DIETHANOLAMINE reads: "II/411". 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, DIETHANOLAMINE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 111-42-2 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.
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Source note for DIETHANOLAMINE

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for DIETHANOLAMINE 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 DIETHANOLAMINE 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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