Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Triethylamine

INCI: TRIETHYLAMINE

CAS Number
121-44-8
Function
pH Adjuster, Buffering Agent (tertiary amine used to neutralize carbomer/acrylate polymers)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted for cosmetic use at low concentrations

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
high
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 corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

CRITICAL: Highly flammable (H225); Toxic in contact with skin (H311); Toxic if inhaled (H331); Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314); harmful if swallowed (H302). Must be fully reacted with acid component (e.g., carbomer) — unreacted residual must be minimized. Requires proper PPE during manufacturing

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Triethylamine safe in cosmetics?

CRITICAL: Highly flammable (H225); Toxic in contact with skin (H311); Toxic if inhaled (H331); Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314); harmful if swallowed (H302). Must be fully reacted with acid component (e.g., carbomer) — unreacted residual must be minimized. Requires proper PPE during manufacturing The EU classifies Triethylamine as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Triethylamine allowed in the EU?

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

What does Triethylamine do in cosmetics?

Triethylamine functions as: pH Adjuster, Buffering Agent (tertiary amine used to neutralize carbomer/acrylate polymers). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 121-44-8.

What is the Margin of Safety for Triethylamine?

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.

Compliance Tools

Check Triethylamine compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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