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Moumoujus

TEA-OLEATE.

Valuable CAS 2717-15-9 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

TEA-Oleate is a multi-functional ingredient primarily employed as an emulsifier, surfactant, and cleansing agent in cosmetic formulations. It effectively facilitates the blending of immiscible oil and water phases, aiding in the removal of impurities and oils from skin surfaces. This ingredient also contributes to pH buffering and enhances the solubility of less water-soluble compounds.

Summary

Cleansing Emulsifying Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

TEA-Oleate functions by reducing the surface tension between different phases, enabling oils and water to combine efficiently. On the skin, it acts as a cleansing agent through its ability to emulsify sebum and environmental debris, making these substances easier to rinse away. Its surfactant properties contribute to foam formation and assist in suspending particulates, while also serving to stabilize pH and solubilize various components within a formulation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a functional ingredient primarily for emulsification and cleansing, TEA-Oleate's efficacy is not typically measured by a specific 'active' dose for direct skin benefits beyond its structural role in product formulation. Clinical studies establishing effective concentrations for specific skin benefits are not available.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 7.5 – 9.5
0 7 14

Stability

TEA-Oleate is generally stable but is susceptible to oxidation and requires storage away from strong oxidizing agents. Its precursor, Triethanolamine, forms solutions that are alkaline (a 1% solution has a pH of approximately 10). This alkalinity necessitates careful pH adjustment in formulations to prevent potential disruption of the skin's acid mantle (pH 5.5-6.0) and to maintain the stability of other pH-sensitive ingredients.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents/nitrates (to prevent nitrosamine formation)
  • Strong oxidizers

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
2.5%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed TEA-Oleate safe for use under specific conditions, requiring formulations to be non-irritating and to prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds (nitrosamines). European Union regulations further restrict its use in leave-on products to a maximum concentration of 2.5% (calculated as triethanolamine). These regulations also mandate strict controls on raw material purity, limiting secondary amine content to 0.5% and nitrosamine content to 50µg/kg, with packaging requiring nitrite-free containers. Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, excluding color additives, do not require FDA approval prior to market entry.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

TEA-Oleate is a valuable functional ingredient for cosmetic formulation, providing essential emulsifying, surfactant, and cleansing properties, provided it is meticulously formulated to adhere to strict safety guidelines regarding concentration limits and nitrosamine prevention.

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