DEA / TEA / MEA (Ethanolamines)

High Concern

Emulsifier / pH Adjuster

Also known as

diethanolaminedeatriethanolaminetea-lauryl sulfatetea-laureth sulfatetea-stearatetea-cocoatetea-salicylatetea-dodecylbenzenesulfonatemonoethanolaminemeacocamide dealauramide dealinoleamide mea

The concern

Can react with nitrites in formulations to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. EU restricts DEA in cosmetics. EWG rates DEA high concern for cancer. California Prop 65 listed. Found in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Read the source: EWG / EU Commission

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

DEA / TEA / MEA (Ethanolamines)
diethanolamine
dea
triethanolamine
tea-lauryl sulfate
tea-laureth sulfate
tea-stearate
tea-cocoate
tea-salicylate
tea-dodecylbenzenesulfonate
monoethanolamine
mea
cocamide dea
lauramide dea
linoleamide mea

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source: EWG / EU Commission

Related findings on ProductSafer

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Search all findings for DEA / TEA / MEA (Ethanolamines) →

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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