TRIETHANOLAMINE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under Sephora Clean (Prohibited).
TRIETHANOLAMINE
Safety grade: C
Triethanolamine is a chemical compound that helps balance the pH of cosmetic products and allows oils and water to mix together smoothly. It's commonly used to neutralize acidic ingredients and create a stable, pleasant texture in creams and lotions.
This ingredient neutralizes acidic components, helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together, improves texture, and masks unpleasant odors in cosmetic formulations.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- Sephora Clean — Prohibited
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to TRIETHANOLAMINE
- SODIUM CITRATE — Grade A. Neutralizes pH and masks odors like triethanolamine in formulations.
- LACTIC ACID — Grade B. Buffers pH to neutralize acidic components in cosmetic formulas.
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL — Grade A. Emulsifies oil and water while improving texture and stability.
- CETYL ALCOHOL — Grade A. Blends oils with water and stabilizes emulsions as primary alternative.
Other Surfactant ingredients
- COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE — Grade A
- SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE — Grade C
- XANTHAN GUM — Grade A
- STEARIC ACID — Grade A
- SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE — Grade C**
- COCO-GLUCOSIDE — Grade A