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Triethanolamine

Also known as: Triethanolamine, TEA, Trolamine

Overview

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a synthetic tertiary amino alcohol, chemically identified as C6H15NO3 with CAS number 102-71-6. It is not naturally occurring and is primarily manufactured for industrial and cosmetic applications. TEA is widely utilized as an emulsifier, surfactant, and pH adjuster in various personal care products, including lotions, creams, and shampoos. It also finds use as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids. As a colorless, viscous liquid, TEA possesses both amine and alcohol functional groups, which enable it to neutralize acids and stabilize emulsions. Despite its widespread industrial use, triethanolamine is not classified as a dietary or nutritional supplement, and there is no scientific evidence supporting its use for human health or performance enhancement. Research on TEA predominantly focuses on its chemical properties, industrial applications, and toxicological profile, with no peer-reviewed clinical trials or systematic reviews evaluating its efficacy or safety as a supplement ingredient.

Benefits

There is no scientific evidence from clinical trials, meta-analyses, or systematic reviews to suggest any physiological, nutritional, or ergogenic benefits of triethanolamine when ingested or used as a supplement. It is not recognized as a dietary supplement ingredient and has not been studied for such purposes. Therefore, no primary or secondary effects, population-specific benefits, or time course of benefits can be documented in the context of supplementation. The available research consistently indicates that triethanolamine's utility is limited to its chemical properties in industrial and cosmetic formulations, not as a substance that confers health advantages.

How it works

Triethanolamine functions primarily as a chemical base and emulsifier in industrial and cosmetic applications. Its molecular structure, featuring both amine and alcohol groups, allows it to neutralize acids and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, which is crucial for the consistency and stability of many personal care products. When considered in a biological context, triethanolamine has no known beneficial biological activity or specific molecular targets that would confer health benefits if ingested. Its interaction with body systems has been studied mainly in terms of potential skin irritation and systemic toxicity upon exposure, rather than any beneficial physiological pathways. Absorption and bioavailability data are limited, but it is primarily used topically, and ingestion is not recommended due to a lack of safety data and potential toxicity.

Side effects

Triethanolamine is generally considered safe for topical use within regulated concentrations, but it is not approved or recommended for ingestion or supplementation. Common side effects associated with topical exposure include skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Eye irritation can also occur. While rare, there is a potential for systemic toxicity if ingested in large amounts. Concerns regarding carcinogenicity have been raised due to the potential for nitrosamine formation under specific conditions, although this is primarily relevant in the context of its use in cosmetic formulations containing nitrosating agents. There are no documented drug interactions relevant to supplementation, as it is not intended for internal use. Contraindications include ingestion, and caution is advised for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to TEA. It is not recommended for use as a supplement in children or pregnant women.

Dosage

Triethanolamine is not a dietary supplement and has no established effective or optimal dosage for human ingestion or supplementation. Therefore, there is no minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe oral dose. Its use is strictly limited to topical applications in cosmetic and industrial products, where concentrations are regulated for safety. There are no timing considerations, form-specific recommendations for internal use, or required cofactors, as it is not intended for internal consumption. Systemic absorption from topical use is generally limited, but ingestion is strongly discouraged due to a lack of safety data and potential for toxicity.

FAQs

Is triethanolamine a dietary supplement?

No, triethanolamine is an industrial chemical and cosmetic ingredient, not classified or recognized as a nutritional or dietary supplement. It is not intended for ingestion.

Is it safe to ingest triethanolamine?

No, ingestion of triethanolamine is not recommended. There is a lack of safety data for internal consumption, and it carries potential toxicity risks. Its use is limited to topical applications.

Can triethanolamine improve athletic performance?

No, there is no scientific evidence or research to support any ergogenic or health benefits from triethanolamine supplementation for athletic performance or general human health.

Is triethanolamine safe for skin?

Triethanolamine is generally considered safe for topical use within regulated concentrations in cosmetic products. However, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Research Sources

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Triethanolamine – This PubChem entry provides comprehensive chemical information on Triethanolamine (TEA), including its chemical formula, CAS number, and physical properties. It confirms TEA's identity as a tertiary amine with three hydroxyethyl groups and highlights its primary use as an industrial chemical and cosmetic ingredient, not a dietary supplement.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK390891/ – This source, likely from a regulatory or toxicology database, discusses Triethanolamine's safety profile, particularly in the context of cosmetic use. It emphasizes its role as a cosmetic ingredient with established safety limits and addresses potential concerns like skin and eye irritation, and the formation of nitrosamines under specific conditions, reinforcing that it is not intended for ingestion.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39747536/ – This PubMed entry, likely a review or study on dietary supplements, does not include triethanolamine as a recognized supplement for athletic performance or health benefits. Its absence indicates that TEA is not considered or researched within the scope of performance-enhancing or health-promoting supplements.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39796467/ – Similar to the previous PubMed entry, this source, likely another systematic review on supplements for specific athletic performance (e.g., swimming), does not list triethanolamine. This further supports the conclusion that TEA is not a recognized or studied ingredient in the field of dietary or performance supplements.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08037051.2025.2517122?src= – This article, potentially a systematic review or research on dietary supplements, does not feature triethanolamine. Its exclusion from such a review underscores the lack of scientific interest or evidence for triethanolamine as a dietary supplement or for any human health benefits, reinforcing its primary classification as an industrial chemical.