Poor Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Diethanolamine (DEA)

INCI: DIETHANOLAMINE

CAS Number
111-42-2
Function
pH adjuster
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted with FDA advisory. FDA does not restrict DEA but advises consumers to check labels.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is corrosive to the eyes.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

DEA forms carcinogenic N-nitrosamines in the presence of nitrosating agents and is prohibited in the EU. CIR limits use to 5% maximum for prolonged skin contact and prohibits co-formulation with N-nitrosating agents. IARC classifies DEA as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic). It causes serious eye damage and skin irritation. Do not use in EU-destined formulations.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

prop65 eu_banned_cosmetics eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Diethanolamine (DEA) safe in cosmetics?

DEA forms carcinogenic N-nitrosamines in the presence of nitrosating agents and is prohibited in the EU. CIR limits use to 5% maximum for prolonged skin contact and prohibits co-formulation with N-nitrosating agents. IARC classifies DEA as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic). It causes serious eye damage and skin irritation. Do not use in EU-destined formulations. The EU classifies Diethanolamine (DEA) as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR.

Is Diethanolamine (DEA) allowed in the EU?

Diethanolamine (DEA) EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Diethanolamine (DEA) do in cosmetics?

Diethanolamine (DEA) functions as: pH adjuster. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 111-42-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Diethanolamine (DEA)?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check Diethanolamine (DEA) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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