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CarCareTruth

Triethanolamine

  • Bases
  • CAS 102-71-6
  • IUPAC: 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol

Triethanolamine (CAS 102-71-6) appears in 16 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

H319 (eye irritation) at ingredient level. Mild skin irritant in some individuals. Not classified as a sensitizer at typical use concentrations. The N-nitrosamine pathway is of regulatory concern but requires specific co-formulation conditions.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a tertiary amine alcohol used as a pH buffer, emulsifier, and chelating agent in cleaning and personal care formulations. At consumer product concentrations (typically <2%) it is not significantly hazardous; the primary regulatory concern is the potential for in-bottle reaction with nitrosating co-ingredients to form N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), a Prop 65 carcinogen. Modern formulations using TEA generally avoid the co-ingredients that drive that pathway.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: pH buffer and emulsifier in cleaning and conditioning formulations; mildly alkaline

Common questions about Triethanolamine

What is Triethanolamine used for in car care?
pH buffer and emulsifier in cleaning and conditioning formulations; mildly alkaline
Is Triethanolamine a VOC?
No. Triethanolamine is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Triethanolamine on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Triethanolamine is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Triethanolamine biodegradable?
Yes. Triethanolamine has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

16 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.