Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed

Triisopropanolamine

INCI: TRIISOPROPANOLAMINE

CAS Number
122-20-3
Function
Buffering, pH adjuster
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 0.5%
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted; CIR concluded safe as used (1987, reaffirmed)

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.

Toxicological Studies

4 study endpoints found for Triisopropanolamine. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 288 mg/kg bw/day oral dog Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL >=7500 ppm oral dog oral REACH
NOAEL >=3000 mg/kg bw/day dermal rat dermal REACH
NOAEL 100 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
excl mark;warn
Hazard Statements
Causes serious eye irritation Causes skin irritation May cause respiratory irritation
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the skin and respiratory tract.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir Number 1, 1987
Verdict: unknown

Expert Verdict

Nitrosamine formation risk โ€” reaction with nitrosating agents produces potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines; Annex III compliance mandatory; secondary amine impurity must be controlled; do not combine with nitrosating systems

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Concern Level: High

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Triisopropanolamine safe in cosmetics?

Nitrosamine formation risk โ€” reaction with nitrosating agents produces potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines; Annex III compliance mandatory; secondary amine impurity must be controlled; do not combine with nitrosating systems The EU classifies Triisopropanolamine as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 4 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is Triisopropanolamine allowed in the EU?

Triisopropanolamine EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.5%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Triisopropanolamine do in cosmetics?

Triisopropanolamine functions as: Buffering, pH adjuster. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 122-20-3.

What is the Margin of Safety for Triisopropanolamine?

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.

What is the NOAEL for Triisopropanolamine?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Triisopropanolamine is 288 mg/kg bw/day based on a Subchronic study via oral route in dog. A total of 4 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Triisopropanolamine classified as hazardous under GHS?

Triisopropanolamine carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation Causes skin irritation May cause respiratory irritation. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance โ€” at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

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