What it is
An ethanolamine used as a pH adjuster and surfactant precursor. Reacts with nitrite preservatives or contaminants to form N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), a probable human carcinogen.
What it does
pH adjuster and surfactant base in shampoos, soaps, and lotions.
Why it’s a concern
IARC classifies DEA as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on rodent liver and kidney tumours. More worrying, DEA can form NDELA, classified as Group 2B. The EU banned DEA in cosmetics in 2012. Still used in the US.
Also known as
DEA2,2’-iminodiethanol
CAS numbers
111-42-2
Commonly found in
shampoosoaplotion
Safer alternatives
- plant-based surfactants (glucosides)
- TEA-free formulas
Sources
- IARC Monograph Volume 101
- EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex II