TEA-Sulfate
A buffer salt and co-surfactant. It supports the pH of cleansing formulas. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
TEA-Sulfate is the triethanolamine salt of sulphuric acid, used as a buffering salt and co-surfactant. On the label it reads TEA-Sulfate. In cleansers it helps hold the formula pH and modulate the action of surfactants. On efficacy, place it this way: it is a functional component, not a care active. When you see it on a label, its job is pH adjustment and stability, not a visible effect on skin. In that role it does its work without pretension. For pregnancy and breastfeeding there is no cause for alarm. It is used in small cosmetic proportions, rinses off, and its systemic impact is negligible, so it can be used. As a technical note, triethanolamine compounds should be formulated to avoid combinations with nitrosating agents, which the manufacturer controls. Tolerance at the usual doses is good. Irritation and allergy are low. Still, very reactive skin should judge the cleanser as a whole rather than this ingredient in isolation. This is a secondary or tertiary amine. With nitrosating preservatives (bronopol and similar) or their impurities it can form carcinogenic nitrosamines, so that pairing in a formula is undesirable. On its own, without a nitrosating agent, the nitrosamine concern does not apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is TEA-Sulfate safe during pregnancy?
TEA-Sulfate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is TEA-Sulfate for?
TEA-Sulfate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is TEA-Sulfate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A buffer salt and co-surfactant.
What's the INCI name for TEA-Sulfate?
The INCI name is TEA-Sulfate.
See TEA-Sulfate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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