IngredientsEuropean Union
Triethanolamine in EU cosmetics: status and maximum concentration
INCI TRIETHANOLAMINE · CAS 102-71-6
EU status: Restrictedleave-on cap; nitrosamine conditions
Data from Certo’s regulatory database as of
Some rows corrected against the legal texts on
The short answer
Triethanolamine is restricted in cosmetic products sold in the European Union (leave-on cap; nitrosamine conditions). The binding limits are set in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 62.
EU legal requirements
| Product type or use | Limit | Conditions and label wording | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III 62 — Trialkylamines, trialkanolamines and their salts. Legal text | |||
| Leave-on products | ≤ 2.5 % | — | In force |
| Every product type | — | The product must not contain nitrosating systems. | In force |
| Every product type | — | The triethanolamine used must have a minimum purity of 99 %. | In force |
| Every product type | ≤ 0.5 % (secondary amines), in the raw material | — | In force |
| Every product type | ≤ 50 μg/kg (nitrosamines) | — | In force |
| Every product type | — | The raw material must be kept in nitrite-free containers. | In force |
What the texts say
Reference number: 62 Chemical name/INN: Trialkylamines, trialkanolamines and their salts Product type, body parts: (a) Leave-on products (b) Rinse-off products Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (a) 2,5 % Other: (a) (b) — Not to be used with nitrosating systems — Minimum purity: 99 % — Maximum secondary amine content: 0,5 % (applies to raw materials) — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg/kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers
Sources
This page is general regulatory information, not legal advice. Rely on the legal texts linked above and on your own regulatory experts before making a compliance decision.