Ingredient · dataset v56
Triethanolamine and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A small triple-alcohol amine used to neutralize gels; water-soluble, with no long fatty portion.
Older formulas use it heavily; newer ones often prefer tromethamine or arginine.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
pH adjuster
Also listed as
TEA
Checked products with this ingredient (2)
Product types: Moisturizers, Sunscreens
Moisturizers (1)
Sunscreens (1)
Related ph adjuster
- Acetic Acid — No known trigger
- Aminomethyl Propanol — No known trigger
- Arginine — No known trigger
- Citric Acid — No known trigger
- Diisopropanolamine — No known trigger
- Hydrochloric Acid — No known trigger
- Lactic Acid — No known trigger
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Triethanolamine trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A small triple-alcohol amine used to neutralize gels; water-soluble, with no long fatty portion.
Does Triethanolamine feed Malassezia?
No known link: Triethanolamine is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Triethanolamine →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.