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Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 27323-41-7
  • IUPAC: 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol; dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid

Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (CAS 27323-41-7) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

No GHS classification at typical consumer product concentrations. The LABS surfactant family can cause mild eye and skin irritation at concentrated levels, but finished-product use at low percentages presents no significant health concern.

Triethanolamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate (TEA-LABS, CAS 27323-41-7) is an anionic surfactant formed from the reaction of triethanolamine with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. It functions as a cleaning agent and emulsifier in aqueous formulations. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LABS) are among the most-studied surfactant families — they are readily biodegradable and have been used in detergent applications for decades. The TEA salt form delivers mild alkalinity and good compatibility with other nonionic surfactants.

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
5/5
Purpose: Anionic surfactant — cleaning agent and emulsifier; the TEA salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate with mildly alkaline pH character

Common questions about Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

What is Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate used for in car care?
Anionic surfactant — cleaning agent and emulsifier; the TEA salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate with mildly alkaline pH character
Is Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate a VOC?
No. Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate biodegradable?
Yes. Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product 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.