Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

TRIETHANOLAMINE SESQUISTEARATE.

Valuable / SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Triethanolamine Sesquistearate is a versatile ingredient essential for product formulation, primarily acting as an emulsifier to seamlessly integrate oil and water phases. This compound ensures stable, homogeneous textures while also functioning as a pH adjuster, helping products achieve an optimal, skin-friendly acidity level.

Summary

emulsifying pH adjusting surfactant stabilizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning as a key emulsifier, Triethanolamine Sesquistearate enables the uniform dispersion of oil-based ingredients within water-based systems, thereby preventing phase separation and enhancing product consistency. Simultaneously, it serves as a pH regulator, precisely elevating the alkalinity of formulations to attain a desired pH range, which contributes to both product stability and overall skin compatibility.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤15%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel for TEA Stearate
  2. 02 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel for Triethanolamine

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient effectively stabilizes emulsions, fragrances, and preservatives. It further acts as a foam stabilizer and enhances preservative efficacy by maintaining a consistent pH value within formulations.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (e.g., ingredients containing 'nitro' or 'nitra', such as 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol or sodium nitrite), due to the potential formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
  • Strong oxidizing agents.
  • Copper, zinc, aluminum, and their alloys, as it can be corrosive to these metals.
  • Heat (decomposition occurs above 305 °C).

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
15%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deems Triethanolamine Sesquistearate and similar compounds safe when used in concentrations not exceeding 15% in formulations intended for prolonged skin contact. Crucially, it must not be combined with N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of harmful nitrosamines. The base compound, Triethanolamine, is FDA approved as an indirect food additive. No SCCS opinion is currently available for this specific ingredient.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Triethanolamine Sesquistearate is a valuable formulation aid, effectively blending disparate phases and stabilizing pH, making it highly suitable for a diverse range of cosmetic products with a low irritancy and comedogenicity profile.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…