Diethanolamine (DEA) Updated: February 10th, 2010 | 
| QUESTIONS |
ANSWERS |
| What is this chemical? |
Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA, is an organic compound. |
| What is its purpose? |
DEA is a chemical that is used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. It is soluble in water and absorbs moisture from the air.
DEA itself is rarely used in products. When it is used, it is added in small amounts to assure the product is not harsh on the skin. DEA is mostly combined with other substances and converted into a new ingredient that is no longer chemically identical with DEA. This “chemical reaction” leads to a new substance that is very stable and does not easily come apart. These ingredients are very useful as surfactants; they help products to produce foam and bubbles. |
| Where is it found? |
- facial moisturizers/treatments
- shampoos
- lotions/creams
- foundations
- anti-fungal treatment
- athlete’s foot treatment
- around-eye cream
- anti-aging cream
- sunscreen: SPF 15-30
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| HEALTH CONCERNS |
| Is this chemical a carcinogen?
|
DEA on its own is not harmful but when combined with other ingredients in a product such as shampoo or lotions it reacts to produce nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), an extremely carcinogenic compound that can be easily absorbed by our skin.
It has been linked to stomach, esophagus, liver, bladder and intestinal cancers.
This chemical has already been restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects.
To date, there is no way of knowing whether a particular cosmetic has been contaminated with NDEA. The best approximation is determining whether the cosmetic contains DEA. The following cosmetic ingredients are among those contaminated with DEA:
- Cocamide DEA or Cocamide Diethanolamine
- DEA Lauryl Sulfate or Diethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate
- Lauramide DEA or Lauramide Diethanolamine
- Linoleamide DEA or Linoleamide Diethanolamine
- Oleamide DEA or Oleamide Diethanolamine
- Any product containing TEA or Triethanolamine
If you are unable to avoid products containing these ingredients, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from cancer risks. Be sure to
- Rinse off the product thoroughly after use.
- Use cold water when shampooing to reduce the amount of NDEA that is absorbed through your skin.
|
| How can it affect me? |
Studies on rats show that DEA inhibits the absorption of choline, which is required for brain development and maintenance, therefore, may cause reproductive and fetal effects. |
| Are there controversial issues? |
No. |
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