Diethanolamine
What Diethanolamine is & what it does
Diethanolamine, often abbreviated DEA, is an organic compound used in cosmetics mainly as a pH adjuster and as a building block for surfactants and emulsifiers. It helps neutralize acidic ingredients and stabilize formulas. Free DEA has drawn scrutiny over impurity concerns, so its use has declined and it is typically limited to low levels under modern formulation standards. It is used as a functional processing aid rather than an active skincare ingredient.
What is Diethanolamine?
Diethanolamine, often abbreviated DEA, is an organic compound used in cosmetics mainly as a pH adjuster and as a building block for surfactants and emulsifiers.
What does Diethanolamine do in a formula?
It helps neutralize acidic ingredients and stabilize the product. It works as a functional processing aid rather than an active skincare ingredient.
Is Diethanolamine safe?
Free DEA has drawn scrutiny over impurity concerns, so its use has declined and it is typically limited to low levels under modern formulation standards. It is generally considered acceptable within those limits.
Sunscreens with Diethanolamine
We rate 3 sunscreens that contain it:
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Azani Active Care Kaolin Clay Sunscreen
87/100
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Glytone Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum Spf 40
71/100
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Pond's Gluta-niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa ++++ UV Bright
61/100