Triethanolamine (TEA) Supplier South Africa

What Is Triethanolamine?

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a tertiary alkanolamine produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia. Its three hydroxyl groups make it moderately hydrophilic and a mild base, less reactive than MEA or DEA but with excellent formulation stability and very low volatility. In cleaning product and cosmetic formulation TEA is primarily used to adjust and buffer pH in the mildly alkaline range (pH 7–9) and to neutralise anionic surfactant acids, fatty acids, and carbomers.

Formulation Functions

TEA-neutralised LABSA produces TEA-LAS, a liquid anionic surfactant with very good cold-water solubility and low pour point — particularly useful in liquid laundry detergents intended for cold-water washing markets. TEA is also the standard neutralising agent for carbomers (acrylic acid thickeners) in gels, neutralising the acid form to produce the swollen gel network. In emulsion formulations TEA forms amine soaps with fatty acids, acting as an emulsifier and stabiliser for oil-in-water systems.

Supply and Applications

Terracore Chemicals supplies technical- and cosmetic-grade TEA in drums and IBCs. Cosmetic-grade TEA has controlled nitrosamine-forming impurities and is suitable for personal care applications; technical grade is used for industrial cleaning, leather processing, cement additives, and chemical intermediates. We provide SDS documentation and can advise on grade selection, regulatory compliance, and substitution options.