What Is Triethanolamine sulfate?

Learn about the buffering characteristics of Triethanolamine sulfate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Triethanolamine sulfate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Triethanolamine sulfate?

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Triethanolamine sulfate, also known as tea-sulfate, is a chemical that is used in cosmetics products to help maintain their pH levels. It works by acting as a buffering agent, which means it can balance out the acidity or alkalinity of the product it is added to. This helps ensure that the product stays effective and safe for use on your skin.

What is the purpose of Triethanolamine sulfate in personal care products? It is used for its buffering characteristics. Triethanolamine sulfate regulates the pH balance.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Triethanolamine sulfate, Triethanolamine sulfuric acid salt, 2,2',2''-Nitrilotrisethanol sulfate (salt), and NITRILOTRIS-2,2',2"-(1-HYDROXYETHYL)SULFATE.

What Are Buffering Ingredients?

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Triethanolamine sulfate has buffering characteristics.

Buffering ingredients helps regulate and maintain the pH balance of cosmetic products. The pH scale is a method used to determine a mixture's acidity or alkalinity level. Our skin's natural pH balance helps it stay healthy and function properly. When cosmetic products are applied to the skin, they can alter the pH balance, potentially causing irritation or other adverse effects.

Buffering ingredients neutralize or adjust the pH of cosmetic products to match that of the skin, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or damage. By maintaining a consistent pH balance, buffering ingredients can also improve the stability and effectiveness of a product's active ingredients.

Types of Buffering Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of buffering ingredients:

  • Alkalis: These have a high pH and are used to neutralize acids. They help maintain the product's pH within a desired range.

  • Acids: These have a low pH and are used to neutralize alkalis. They help maintain the cosmetic product's pH within a desired range.

  • Salts: These are formed when an acid and a base (alkali) are mixed. They help maintain the cosmetic product's stability by preventing changes in pH caused by external factors such as heat or exposure to air.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.