Triethanolamine (TEA): The Emulsifier That Blends Oil and Water in DIY Cosmetics

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a clear, thick liquid used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emulsifier, pH balancer and mild surfactant. In plain terms, it helps oil and water stay blended so your creams, lotions and cleansers don't separate on the shelf. Azlok's Triethanolamine (99%) is a food-and-cosmetic grade raw material with the CAS number 102-71-6 and the formula C6H15NO3.

What Triethanolamine Does in a Formula

TEA is one of those quiet workhorse ingredients you rarely see on a product label front, but it does a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Its main jobs are:

Emulsifier: When combined with fatty acids (like stearic acid), it forms a soap-like emulsifier that binds oil and water phases into a smooth, stable cream.
pH adjuster and buffer: Many active ingredients and thickeners (such as carbomer gels) only work within a certain pH. A tiny amount of TEA neutralises acidity and brings the pH up to a skin-friendly range.
Surfactant: It gives mild cleansing and foaming support in wash-off products.
Corrosion inhibitor and versatile chemical: Outside cosmetics, TEA is used in metalworking fluids, detergents, paints and adhesives, partly for its ability to protect against corrosion.

Common Uses

Home formulators and small manufacturers reach for TEA in a range of products:

Lotions and creams – to build a stearic acid emulsion with a light, non-greasy feel.
Gels and serums – to neutralise carbomer so it thickens into a clear gel.
Facial and body cleansers – as part of the surfactant system.
Industrial and hobby uses – in cutting fluids, polishes and cleaning concentrates.

How to Use Triethanolamine

A little goes a long way. In most cosmetic formulas, TEA is used at well under 5% of the total weight, and often below 2.5%. For a carbomer gel, you typically add TEA drop by drop while stirring until the mixture turns clear and thickens.

Always weigh it on a digital scale rather than guessing by volume.
Add it towards the end of your process, once the water and oil phases are combined and cooling.
Check the final pH with strips or a meter. For leave-on skincare, aim for a mildly acidic to neutral range.
Because TEA is hygroscopic (it draws in moisture from the air), keep the container closed when not in use.

Safety Notes You Should Not Skip

TEA is effective but needs respect. Follow these precautions:

Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the concentrated liquid, as it is alkaline and can irritate skin and eyes.
Work in a ventilated area and avoid inhaling fumes.
Do not overdose. Overexposure or high concentrations can cause skin irritation, so stick to recommended low percentages in finished products.
Do not ingest, and keep it well away from children and pets.
Patch-test any new formula on your inner arm before wider use.
Read the MSDS and Certificate of Analysis, and always neutralise fully so no free alkali remains in the final product.

Buying and Storage Tips

Azlok stocks Triethanolamine (99%) in packs from 100 Gm right up to 25 Kg, so hobbyists and production units can both buy what suits them. Starting at ₹149, the small 100 Gm pack is a sensible way to test a formula before committing to bulk.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Keep the lid tight, since TEA absorbs moisture and can discolour on prolonged air and light exposure.
Use clean, dry utensils to avoid contamination.
Shelf life is around 24 months when stored correctly.

FAQ

What is Triethanolamine used for in cosmetics?

It acts as an emulsifier to blend oil and water, a pH adjuster to neutralise acidic ingredients like carbomer, and a mild surfactant. This keeps creams, lotions and gels stable and smooth.

Is Triethanolamine safe for skin?

Used at the low concentrations typical in finished cosmetics, TEA is generally considered acceptable. It is alkaline in concentrated form, so handle it with gloves, do not overuse it, and always patch-test your final product.

How much Triethanolamine should I add to a formula?

Most formulations use less than 5%, and often under 2.5%. For carbomer gels, add it slowly until the gel turns clear and thickens, then check and correct the pH.

Can Triethanolamine be used outside cosmetics?

Yes. It is also used in detergents, paints, adhesives and metalworking fluids, where it works as a pH buffer and corrosion inhibitor.

How should I store Triethanolamine?

Keep it tightly closed in a cool, dry, shaded spot. Because it is hygroscopic, air exposure can affect quality. Stored properly, it lasts about 24 months.