Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Methyl Diethanolamine

INCI: METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE (ALSO KNOWN AS MDEA)

CAS Number
105-59-9
Function
pH adjuster, buffering agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed - not specifically prohibited, but subject to the same nitrosamine contamination concerns.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

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 irritating to the eyes and skin.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Major concern - nitrosamine formation potential. Diethanolamine moiety can react with nitrosating agents to form carcinogenic N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). Must never be combined with nitrosating preservatives (e.g., bronopol, formaldehyde donors). Also a potential skin/eye irritant.. Clear liquid; miscible with water; provides both pH adjustment and buffering capacity. Requires rigorous GMP controls to prevent nitrosamine contamination during manufacturing and storage.

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

ifra_fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methyl Diethanolamine safe in cosmetics?

Major concern - nitrosamine formation potential. Diethanolamine moiety can react with nitrosating agents to form carcinogenic N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). Must never be combined with nitrosating preservatives (e.g., bronopol, formaldehyde donors). Also a potential skin/eye irritant.. Clear liquid; miscible with water; provides both pH adjustment and buffering capacity. Requires rigorous GMP controls to prevent nitrosamine contamination during manufacturing and storage. The EU classifies Methyl Diethanolamine as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methyl Diethanolamine allowed in the EU?

Methyl Diethanolamine EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methyl Diethanolamine do in cosmetics?

Methyl Diethanolamine functions as: pH adjuster, buffering agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 105-59-9.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methyl Diethanolamine?

not established 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.

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