Triethanolamine

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Triethanolamine?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethanolamine avoid - not safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and infants (0–6 months) this ingredient is best avoided if you can. It can irritate sensitive baby skin and has a known risk of causing allergic reactions in some people. There is also a contamination concern (nitrosamines) during manufacturing.

What to Do

Try to choose products made specifically for babies and labeled for newborn use. If a product contains triethanolamine, prefer rinse-off products (like shampoos) over leave-on creams for infants. Use as little product as needed, avoid applying it to broken or very red skin, and stop use if you see redness, rash, swelling, or irritation.

⚠️Warnings

Look out for skin redness, rash, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient — strong evidence of skin allergy and irritation comes from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC). Manufacturers and regulators have set limits on how and how much triethanolamine can be used (Cosmetic Ingredient Review; EU rules). Also be aware of contamination risks with nitrosamines during manufacture — nitrosamines are a contamination concern flagged by safety reviews. If you suspect a reaction, wash the area with water and call your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Multiple safety reviews note that triethanolamine shows evidence of immune and allergy effects in people, including reports of immune system or allergy concerns and respiratory allergic reactions (noted by cosmetic safety reviewers and occupational health assessments). This means it can affect the immune response in children who are exposed.
Irritant: A cosmetic safety review found strong evidence that triethanolamine is a human skin toxicant or allergen. That means it can cause skin redness, itching, or rashes—especially on sensitive or young skin.
Asthma: An occupational health review lists triethanolamine as a human respiratory toxicant or allergen, so inhalation or skin exposure may worsen breathing problems or trigger asthma-like responses in sensitive children.
Eczema: Because triethanolamine is reported as a skin allergen/toxicant, it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in babies and children prone to eczema.
Organ Risk: A national environmental agency classifies triethanolamine as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs, and regulatory toxicology notes animal studies showing effects at moderate doses. Repeated or high exposures could harm organs such as the liver or kidneys.
Banned: Cosmetic safety reviews and regional cosmetic rules place limits on how this ingredient may be used and at what concentrations, and some regulations restrict its use in certain products. This means some countries impose legal use or concentration limits.
Cancer: There is a high-listed concern about contamination with nitrosamines (a class of chemicals linked to cancer). While the ingredient itself is not judged likely to cause cancer, the potential for nitrosamine contamination raises a cancer-related risk from impurities.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Triethanolamine

This ingredient may also be listed as:

triethanolamineTEATRIETHANOLAMINE, PHARMAGRADE, USP, MANUFACTURED UNDER APPROPRIATE GMP CONTROLS FOR PHARMA OR BIOPHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION.32132-EP2311827A132132-EP2301935A132132-EP2301933A132132-EP2301929A132132-EP2305674A132132-EP2301928A156753-EP2287158A156753-EP2275408A156753-EP2289483A1

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Triethanolamine

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Triethanolamine or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Triethanolamine

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Triethanolamine?

Triethanolamine is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the cancer risks of Triethanolamine for newborns?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Triethanolamine?

Triethanolamine is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Triethanolamine?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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