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TEA-LAURATE.

Valuable CAS 2224-49-9 / FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

TEA-LAURATE is an ester derived from triethanolamine and lauric acid, serving as a versatile anionic surfactant. It is highly effective in reducing surface tension, enabling the stable emulsification of oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations. This ingredient also acts as a foaming and cleansing agent, widely utilized across various personal care products.

Cleansing Emulsifying Foaming Agent Surfactant pH Adjuster Buffering Agent

Science

As an anionic surfactant, TEA-LAURATE significantly lowers the interfacial tension between disparate ingredients, facilitating the creation of stable emulsions by blending typically immiscible oil and water components. On the skin, this property enables efficient solubilization and removal of dirt, excess oils, and impurities. Its contribution to foam generation enhances the sensorial experience in cleansing formulations. Furthermore, the triethanolamine moiety within TEA-LAURATE plays a crucial role in maintaining product stability by adjusting and buffering the formulation's pH.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrates a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.91 µg/mL for triethanolamine monolaurate ester, confirming its surfactant efficacy.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

TEA-LAURATE exhibits robust stability within a broad pH range of 5.0 to 10.0, aligning with the inherent buffering capacity of its triethanolamine component. This stability is critical for maintaining formulation integrity and pH consistency over time.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (due to the potential formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds)
  • Excessive levels of free diethanolamine (DEA)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed TEA-LAURATE and related triethanolamine-containing ingredients safe for use, provided they are formulated to be non-irritating. Strict adherence to formulation guidelines is necessary, including avoiding use in products where N-nitroso compounds can form and ensuring that levels of free diethanolamine (DEA) do not exceed safe concentrations. For products intended for prolonged skin contact, the total concentration of ethanolamines (including TEA) should not surpass 5%. While a specific maximum concentration for TEA-LAURATE itself in prolonged contact products is not explicitly stated, these restrictions are paramount for its safe application.


Your Skin

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

TEA-LAURATE is a valuable, multifunctional ingredient for creating stable and effective cosmetic formulations, particularly for cleansing and emulsifying products, provided strict safety guidelines regarding formulation and concentration are followed.


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