Is TEA-PCA safe in cosmetics?
TEA-PCA has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted.
Excellent
Cosmetic Ingredient
TEA-PCA
Also known as: 5-Hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid--2,2',2''-nitrilotri(ethan-1-ol) (1/1), 5-Oxo-DL-proline, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1), EINECS 259-883-8
TEA-PCA (CAS 55901-20-7) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Skin conditioning agent — humectant. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 55901-20-7 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Skin conditioning agent — humectant
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol;5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid
InChIKey
WHDZFABLYCTYDP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR reviewed — PCA and its salts concluded safe in present practices of use and concentration
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for TEA-PCA.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for TEA-PCA.
Known Synonyms
5-Hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid--2,2',2''-nitrilotri(ethan-1-ol) (1/1)
5-Oxo-DL-proline, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1)
EINECS 259-883-8
Chemical Function
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory Lists
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TEA-PCA allowed in the EU?
TEA-PCA EU regulatory status: restricted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does TEA-PCA do in cosmetics?
TEA-PCA functions as: Skin conditioning agent — humectant. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 55901-20-7.
Compliance Tools
Check TEA-PCA compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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