What Is Triethanolamine (TEA)?
Triethanolamine (TEA), also known as 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol, is a tertiary amine with the molecular formula N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃ and CAS number 102-71-6. It is the most substituted member of the ethanolamine family - carrying three hydroxyethyl groups on the central nitrogen - which distinguishes it fundamentally from monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA).
As a tertiary amine, TEA cannot form a carbamate with CO₂, making it less reactive in acid gas treating compared to MEA or DEA. Instead, TEA's value lies in its exceptional mildness, low volatility, and dual functionality as a base and as a polyol. It is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid at room temperature (freezing point ~21.6 °C), fully miscible with water and alcohol.
TEA is produced alongside MEA and DEA by reacting ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia, with the TEA fraction separated by fractional distillation. SinoLook Chem supplies TEA in two grades - 99% pure (TEA99) and 85% aqueous solution - serving cosmetics formulators, cement producers, metalworking fluid manufacturers, and chemical synthesis customers worldwide.
Product Grades & Specifications
SinoLook Chem offers TEA in two standard grades. Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are issued per batch on request.
Grade Comparison
| Parameter | TEA 99% (TEA99) | TEA 85% Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (TEA content) | ≥ 99.5% | 84.0 – 86.0% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.1% (trace) | ~15% (balance deionized) |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.124 g/cm³ | ~1.098 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 335 °C | ~290 °C |
| Melting / Freezing Point | 21.6 °C (may solidify in winter) | ~5 °C (liquid at ambient) |
| Flash Point (cc) | 179 °C | ~165 °C |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | ~613 mPa·s | ~100–150 mPa·s |
| Color (Hazen / APHA) | ≤ 15 | ≤ 30 |
| MEA impurity | ≤ 0.05% (ND in CoA) | ≤ 0.10% |
| DEA impurity | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.25% |
| pH (1% aq. solution) | 10.5 – 11.0 | 10.0 – 11.0 |
| Handling at ambient temp | May solidify below ~22 °C | Liquid - no heating required |
| Relative cost | Higher | ~15–20% lower |
| Applicable Standards | HG/T 3268-2002 · ISO 9001 | HG/T 3268-2002 · ISO 9001 |
| Packaging | 200 L drum · 1000 L IBC · ISO Tank | |
| Best for | Cosmetics · Pharma · Cement grinding · Carbomer gels | Metalworking · Detergents · Textiles · Construction |
TEA 99%+ Detailed Specification
TEA 99% (TEA99) - Official Specification with CoA Results. Tested per HG/T 3268-2002 and GB/T methods. ND = Not Detected. Actual batch CoA values shown.
| Parameter | Specification | CoA Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bright & Clear | Bright & Clear | Visual |
| Triethanolamine, wt% | ≥ 99.5 | 99.89 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Ethanolamine (MEA), wt% | ≤ 0.05 | ND | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Diethanolamine (DEA), wt% | ≤ 0.10 | 0.018 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Water, wt% | ≤ 0.10 | 0.017 | GB/T 6283-2008 |
| Color, Hazen (Co-Pt) | ≤ 15 | ≤ 15 | GB/T 3143-1982 |
| Ethanol, %(m/m) | ≤ 0.10 | ND | HG/T 3268-2002 |
Additional Physical Properties (TEA 99%)
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₅NO₃ | MW: 149.19 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 102-71-6 | - |
| Physical State (25 °C) | Viscous liquid / near melting point | Freezing point ~21.6 °C |
| Boiling Point | 335 °C at 1 atm | 635 °F |
| Melting / Freezing Point | 21.6 °C | May solidify in cold storage |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.124 g/cm³ | ≈ 9.38 lb/gal |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | 179 °C (354 °F) | ASTM D93 - very low fire risk |
| Vapor Pressure (20 °C) | < 0.001 mmHg | Virtually non-volatile |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | ~613 mPa·s | Heating to 40–50 °C greatly reduces viscosity |
| pKa | 7.76 | At 25 °C - weakest base in ethanolamine family |
| pH (1% aq. solution) | 10.5 – 11.0 | At 25 °C |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | 1.4852 | - |
| INCI Name (cosmetics) | Triethanolamine | EU/PCPC ingredient dictionaries |
TEA 85% Solution - Full Specification
TEA 85% is an 84–86 wt% aqueous solution of triethanolamine in deionized water. It is liquid at ambient temperature, significantly lower viscosity than pure TEA. Preferred for bulk industrial applications.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Triethanolamine (TEA), %(m/m) | 84.0 – 86.0 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Water content, %(m/m) | ~14.0 – 16.0 (balance) | GB/T 6283-2008 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid | Visual |
| Color, Hazen (Co-Pt) | ≤ 30 | GB/T 3143-1982 |
| Ethanolamine (MEA), %(m/m) | ≤ 0.10 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Diethanolamine (DEA), %(m/m) | ≤ 0.25 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Ethanol, %(m/m) | ≤ 0.15 | HG/T 3268-2002 |
| Density (20 °C), g/cm³ | ~1.095 – 1.100 | ASTM D4052 |
| pH (1% aq. solution, 25 °C) | 10.0 – 11.0 | ASTM D1287 |
| Flash Point (cc), °C | ~165 | ASTM D93 |
| Viscosity (20 °C), mPa·s | ~100 – 150 | ASTM D445 |
| Freezing Point, °C | ~5 | No heating required at ambient temps |
Water is deionized. TEA 85% remains liquid at typical ambient temperatures (above ~5 °C), avoiding the solidification issue of TEA 99% near its 21.6 °C freezing point.
Triethanolamine Uses & Applications
As the most broadly used ethanolamine in consumer and industrial products, TEA combines gentle alkalinity with surfactant activity and negligible volatility. Grade tags: 99% = pure grade, 85% = aqueous solution, both tags = either grade applicable.
Cosmetics & Personal Care (pH Adjuster / Emulsifier)
TEA is one of the most common pH adjusters and emulsifiers in cosmetics. It neutralizes carbomer gels to create clear, smooth formulations. Used in creams, lotions, sunscreens, hair care, and makeup. CIR Approved; low comedogenic rating (1/5).
99%Cement Grinding Aid
TEA is a highly effective cement grinding aid - added at 0.01–0.05% by weight of clinker to improve mill throughput, reduce energy consumption, and enhance early strength development in Portland cement. One of the largest industrial applications of TEA globally.
99% 85%Metalworking Fluids & Corrosion Inhibition
TEA provides pH buffering and corrosion protection in water-based metalworking coolants and cutting fluids. Its virtually zero vapor pressure means no inhalation risk during machining operations - a safety advantage over volatile amines.
99% 85%Surfactant Synthesis (TEA Lauryl Sulfate)
TEA reacts with sulfuric acid esters of fatty alcohols to form triethanolamine lauryl sulfate - a mild anionic surfactant used in shampoos, liquid soaps, and foam baths. Also used to make TEA stearate and TEA oleate.
99% 85%Pharmaceutical Formulations
Used as an alkalizing agent and emulsifier in topical gels, creams, and ointments. TEA salicylate (triethanolamine salicylate) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in muscle pain relief and wound healing preparations, including the well-known brand Biafine.
99%Textile & Leather Processing
Used as a scouring agent, dyeing auxiliary, and pH regulator in textile wet processing. TEA improves dye uptake and uniformity. Also used in textile printing pastes and leather softening agents.
85%Wax Emulsions & Polishes
TEA forms stable emulsions with waxes and oils, used in floor polishes, furniture waxes, and car care products. Its combination of amine alkalinity and hydroxyl groups provides excellent emulsification of hydrophobic materials.
99%Analytical Chemistry Buffer
TEA is widely used as a buffer in biochemical and analytical applications (TEA buffer, pH 7–9). The triethanolamine-HCl buffer system is useful for enzyme assays, chromatography, and electrophoresis.
99%Construction Admixtures & Concrete
Beyond cement grinding, TEA is incorporated in concrete admixtures to accelerate early hydration of aluminate phases, improving early compressive strength. Also used in calcium silicate board and plasterboard manufacturing.
85%Triethanolamine in Skin Care: Safety & Function
Given the high search volume for TEA in cosmetic applications, we address the most common questions from cosmetic formulators and consumers directly.
🌿 Is triethanolamine safe for skin?
Yes - at concentrations used in cosmetics (typically 0.1–5%). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has reviewed TEA extensively and found it safe for use in cosmetic formulations. It is non-irritating to skin at normal use levels. The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) permits TEA at a maximum of 2.5% in rinse-off products and 1% in leave-on products, provided the formulation meets nitrosamine formation restrictions.
📊 Comedogenic Rating: 1 / 5
Very low likelihood of clogging pores
Triethanolamine has a comedogenic rating of 1 on the standard 0–5 scale, making it suitable for use in products targeted at acne-prone or oily skin. It is generally considered non-comedogenic at the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations.
⚗️ Function in Cosmetic Formulations
TEA serves two primary roles in cosmetics: (1) as a pH adjuster - neutralizing acidic ingredients like carbomer (carbopol) to form clear, stable gels; and (2) as an emulsifier - combining with fatty acids to form TEA soaps that stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. Its neutralization of carbomer is one of its most distinctive and widely used functions in modern cosmetic gel formulation.
⚠️ EU Cosmetics Regulation & Nitrosamine Note
The EU limits TEA in cosmetics: maximum 2.5% in rinse-off products, 1.0% in leave-on products. TEA-containing formulations must not include nitrosating agents. The secondary amine impurity DEA (≤0.10% in TEA99) is the potential nitrosamine precursor - our TEA99 CoA demonstrates DEA at only 0.018%, well within safe limits. Industrial use of TEA is not subject to cosmetic concentration restrictions.
Safety, Handling & Regulatory Information
TEA has an exceptionally high flash point (179 °C) and virtually zero vapor pressure - making it one of the safest ethanolamines to handle from both fire and inhalation perspectives. Standard alkaline chemical PPE is still required due to its pH.
| Safety Parameter | TEA 99% | TEA 85% Solution |
|---|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2; STOT SE 3 (at high concentrations) | |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING (significantly milder than MEA or DEA) | |
| UN Number / Packing Group | UN 2735 / PG III | UN 2735 / PG III |
| LD50 (oral, rat) | ~8000 mg/kg (very low acute oral toxicity) | |
| OSHA PEL TWA | No established PEL (very low volatility) | |
| Flash Point (cc) | 179 °C (354 °F) | ~165 °C |
| Vapor Pressure (20 °C) | < 0.001 mmHg - virtually non-volatile | |
| NFPA 704 | Health: 1 · Flammability: 1 · Reactivity: 0 | |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation | Max 2.5% (rinse-off) / 1.0% (leave-on) · EC 1223/2009 Annex III | |
| CIR Status | Safe as used in cosmetics (CIR Expert Panel) | |
| Storage | Protect from freezing (FP ~22 °C); store away from acids | 5–40 °C; away from strong acids |
| Incompatibilities | Strong acids, strong oxidizers, isocyanates, nitrosating agents (in cosmetic use) | |
| REACH Status | Registered (CAS 102-71-6) | |
| SDS / MSDS Download | TEA 99% SDS (PDF) | TEA 85% SDS (PDF) |
B2B Supply Solutions & Logistics
SinoLook Chem exports TEA to B2B clients in 50+ countries, backed by 10+ years of export experience, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and a multilingual team available 24/7.
📦 Order Quantities
MOQ: 1 MT (200 L drum) for trials. Standard: 20 MT (1× 20'GP). Volume discounts for ≥ 100 MT/quarter.
🚢 Packaging & Ports
200 L drums · 1000 L IBC · ISO tanks. Ex-Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin. FCL/LCL, CIF & DDP available.
⏱ Lead Time
In-stock: 3–5 working days. Custom orders: 10–15 days. Real-time tracking provided throughout shipment.
💳 Payment Terms
T/T 30% advance, 70% vs B/L. L/C at sight for orders >50 MT. OA for established clients (2+ years history).
- ✓ ISO 9001:2015 certified - triple QC: raw materials → in-process → final product analysis per HG/T 3268-2002
- ✓ Full documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, CoA, SDS/MSDS, certificate of origin
- ✓ REACH and EU Cosmetics Regulation compliance documentation available on request
- ✓ Free 500 mL samples (freight collect) for new clients; cosmetic-grade samples include full impurity profile CoA
- ✓ Heated storage and insulated packaging for TEA 99% to prevent freezing in cold climates (FP ~22 °C)
- ✓ OEM services: private labeling, custom packaging, custom TEA concentration on request
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical and commercial questions about triethanolamine from our B2B customers worldwide.
What is triethanolamine (TEA) and what is it used for?
Triethanolamine (TEA, CAS 102-71-6) is a tertiary amine with the formula N(CH₂CH₂OH)₃. Its primary uses are: (1) as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products, (2) as a cement grinding aid to improve mill efficiency and cement early strength, (3) as a surfactant intermediate (TEA lauryl sulfate, TEA stearate), (4) as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids, and (5) as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations including triethanolamine salicylate muscle relief creams.
Is triethanolamine safe for skin? What does the research say?
Yes, triethanolamine is considered safe for skin use at concentrations found in cosmetics (typically 0.1–5%). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed TEA multiple times and concluded it is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. The EU Cosmetics Regulation permits TEA in rinse-off products (max 2.5%) and leave-on products (max 1%). TEA has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It is not classified as a carcinogen by IARC. Individuals with amine sensitivity should patch test before use.
Is triethanolamine comedogenic? Will it clog pores?
Triethanolamine has a comedogenic rating of 1 on the standard 0–5 scale, which is considered very low. This means it has a minimal likelihood of clogging pores in most individuals. It is generally regarded as non-comedogenic at the concentrations used in cosmetic formulations, making it suitable for use in products for all skin types including acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between TEA 99% and TEA 85%?
TEA 99% is essentially pure triethanolamine - preferred for cosmetics, pharmaceutical applications, and high-purity synthesis. A key practical note: TEA 99% has a freezing point of ~21.6 °C and may solidify in cold climates or unheated warehouses. TEA 85% is a 85 wt% aqueous solution that remains liquid down to ~5 °C, is approximately 15–20% lower in cost, and has significantly lower viscosity (~100–150 vs ~613 mPa·s), making it far easier to pump and dose in bulk industrial operations.
What is triethanolamine salicylate? (Biafine / analgesic creams)
Triethanolamine salicylate is the triethanolamine salt of salicylic acid, used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory preparations. It is the active ingredient in products such as Biafine (wound healing cream) and various muscle rub formulations. It is produced by reacting pharmaceutical-grade TEA 99% with salicylic acid. SinoLook Chem supplies TEA 99% meeting purity requirements for pharmaceutical intermediate use.
What is the triethanolamine price?
TEA pricing depends on grade (99% vs 85%), order quantity, and delivery terms. TEA 85% is approximately 15–20% lower in cost than TEA 99%. Among the ethanolamine family, TEA typically has a higher price per kg than MEA due to its larger molecular weight and lower production yield. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com with your required grade, quantity, and destination for a current quote, valid 7 days from issuance.
How is TEA different from MEA and DEA?
MEA (monoethanolamine) is a primary amine - most reactive, strongest base (pKa 9.5), used for CO₂ capture and gas sweetening. DEA (diethanolamine) is a secondary amine - intermediate reactivity (pKa 8.88), preferred for gas treating where COS is present. TEA (triethanolamine) is a tertiary amine - weakest base (pKa 7.76), cannot form carbamates with CO₂, but is the mildest and safest for skin contact, has the highest boiling point (335 °C), lowest vapor pressure, and is the preferred choice for cosmetics, cement, and pharmaceutical applications where gentleness and low volatility matter more than gas reactivity.
What is the triethanolamine HS code?
The Harmonized System (HS) code for triethanolamine is 2922.13 (amino alcohols - triethanolamine and its salts). The India HSN code is 29221300. Always confirm the applicable tariff classification with your local customs authority, as codes can vary by country and product concentration.
Why does TEA 99% sometimes solidify? How should it be stored?
Pure triethanolamine has a freezing point of approximately 21.6 °C. In cooler ambient temperatures or during winter months in unheated warehouses, TEA 99% can become solid or extremely viscous. Store TEA 99% above 25 °C and use heated drum unloading stations or jacketed IBC systems for transfer. Alternatively, TEA 85% solution remains liquid at temperatures above ~5 °C, eliminating the solidification concern for facilities without heated storage. SinoLook Chem ships TEA 99% with insulated packaging for cold climate destinations on request.
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