- Type
- pH adjuster / surfactant
- How serious
- Low severity
- Evidence
- Emerging evidence
Why it is flagged
Can form nitrosamine impurities when combined with certain preservatives; DEA compounds are banned in EU cosmetics.
Health topics it bears on
Sources
- Assessment - Alkanolamines and Fatty Alkanolamides Group Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada, 2026
- Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist Health Canada, 2025
- Safety Assessment of Diethanolamine and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2017
- Opinion on Nitrosamines and Secondary Amines in Cosmetic Products (SCCS/1458/11) Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, 2012
Also listed as
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoethanolamine, dea, tea, mea, cocamide dea