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Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine suppliers and sourcing guide

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a tertiary amine with three hydroxyl groups. It is made by reacting ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia, which gives a mixture of mono-, di- and triethanolamine that is separated by distillation. It is a viscous, colorless to pale yellow liquid that is hygroscopic and freezes near room temperature. Cosmetic brands buy it to neutralize carbomer gels, to form soaps with stearic acid in creams, and to adjust pH.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
TEA · Trolamine · 2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol · CAS 102-71-6
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of triethanolamine

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • TEA 99%

    High-purity grade with low diethanolamine content; the usual choice for cosmetics and the NF trolamine monograph.

  • TEA 85%

    Commercial grade in which the remainder is mainly diethanolamine; cheaper but usually avoided in cosmetics because of the diethanolamine content.

  • NF / USP trolamine

    Compendial grade for drugs and natural health products.

  • Pre-reacted TEA salts

    TEA-stearate, TEA-lauryl sulfate and TEA-carbomer are separate ingredients with their own INCI names and specifications.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Triethanolamine content by GC or titration.
Diethanolamine and monoethanolamine
Content of the other ethanolamines by GC; the spec most cosmetic buyers set tightest.
N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA)
Nitrosamine content by LC-MS or GC with a nitrosamine-specific detector, against the buyer's limit.
Water (Karl Fischer)
Water content by Karl Fischer titration against the supplier's limit.
Color
APHA color; TEA yellows with age, heat and air.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store TEA in closed stainless steel, aluminum or lined containers, away from copper and brass, which amines corrode. It absorbs water and carbon dioxide from air, so keep containers tightly closed or under nitrogen. It solidifies in a cool warehouse, so drums may need gentle warming and mixing before use; shelf life follows the supplier's retest date, with color and assay repeated on older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Color and diethanolamine content vary by lot and producer, so record both for each lot. Keep TEA away from nitrite and other nitrosating materials in the warehouse and in formulas, and record the NDELA result where the COA provides it.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Triethanolamine suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking triethanolamine suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell triethanolamine? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of triethanolamine can brands buy?

Common forms include tEA 99%, tEA 85%, nF / USP trolamine and pre-reacted TEA salts. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for triethanolamine include?

Expect assay, diethanolamine and monoethanolamine, n-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), water (Karl Fischer) and color, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should triethanolamine be stored?

Store TEA in closed stainless steel, aluminum or lined containers, away from copper and brass, which amines corrode. It absorbs water and carbon dioxide from air, so keep containers tightly closed or under nitrogen. It solidifies in a cool warehouse, so drums may need gentle warming and mixing before use; shelf life follows the supplier's retest date, with color and assay repeated on older stock.

What is the regulatory status of triethanolamine?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists triethanolamine for topical use at up to 19% in rinse-off and up to 6% in leave-on products when formulated to be non-irritating, and not in products containing N-nitrosating agents. The same database entry lists the non-medicinal purposes alkalizing agent, emulsifying agent, fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster and cleansing agent. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists triethanolamine with the technical effect malting or fermenting aid and cites 21 CFR 173.315 among other regulations.

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