What are ethanolamine compounds (DEA, MEA, or TEA)?
Ethanolamine compounds are used as emulsifying agents, fragrances and pH adjusters [3] [1] in soaps, cosmetics, household cleaning products, and personal care products.What products are ethanolamine compounds in?
These chemicals are widely used in soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, household cleaners, lotions, shaving creams, pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, and other personal care items [3] [1].How to tell if a product has ethanolamine compounds
These chemicals may be listed as any of the following: DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, DEA, TEA, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, TEA-lauryl sulfate, or stearamide MEA [1].Risks associated with ethanolamine compounds
Diethanolamine is a chemical that’s regarded as toxic enough in the European Union to be banned from personal products and cosmetics [4]. Diethanolamine or DEA has been linked to the following health issues:- Hormone disruption [2]
- Cancer [4] [2]
- Liver tumors [1]
- Accumulation in the liver & kidney causing organ toxicity [1]