Triethanolamine contact allergen
This post is about Triethanolamine a contact allergen, or TEOA, is an organic compound with the chemical formula N(CH2CH2OH)3. It is a colorless, viscous liquid. It is both a tertiary amine and a triol. Additionally, a triol is a molecule with three alcohol groups. Triethanolamine primary used in making surfactants, therefore used as an emulsifier. Found as a common ingredient in formulations used for both industrial and many consumer products. Basically, triethanolamine neutralizes fatty acids, adjusts and buffers the pH, and solubilizes oils and other ingredients that are not completely soluble in water.
Beware Triethanolamine contact allergen use in skin products
Some common products with triethanolamine in them are sunscreen lotions, liquid laundry detergents, dish washing liquids, general cleaners, hand sanitizers, polishes, metalworking fluids, paints, shaving cream and printing inks. So there are a lot of products that use Triethanolamine and can cause contact allergies. Here is one.
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