Tr
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine
A mild base used in small amounts to set a formula’s pH and turn carbomer thickeners into a gel — not an active.
What it does
Triethanolamine (TEA) is a mild base added to bring a formula to its target pH and to neutralize carbomer thickeners so they form a gel. It is not an active ingredient; its presence is about getting the product’s chemistry right.
The EU’s ingredient database lists it as a pH adjuster (sets how acidic the product is) and an emulsifier (helps oil and water mix).European Commission, CosIng (© European Union, CC BY 4.0) · uses put in plain words by Drop ↗
Also known as
TEA
Browse all 1238 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.
This page is public so a shared ingredient card always has its sources behind it — and so you can check them without an account.
Want more like this?
Every evidence-based flag cites its source, Drop tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more. The app launches on iOS and Android in October 2026. Rate my routine works today at /rate — no sign-in.