TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is the triethanolamine salt of Lauryl Sulfate. It is a viscous, yellow liquid. In cosmetics and personal care products, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is used in the formulation of a variety of products including shampoos, bath products, hair dyes and colors, shaving creams, and cleansing products.
The safety of TEA-Lauryl Sulfate has been assessed by the
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that TEA-Lauryl Sulfate was safe for use if the concentrations were limited. High concentrations of TEA-Lauryl Sulfate may cause irritation, especially if allowed to remain in contact with the skin for significant periods of time.CIR Safety Review: Studies showed that at high concentrations TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is a significant skin and eye irritant. However, in clinical studies, shampoos containing TEA-Lauryl Sulfate caused no irritation under semioccluded (partially covered) conditions. Diluted shampoos caused human skin reactions ranging from no irritation to moderate irritation. The CIR Expert Panel noted that this skin irritation phenomenon is observed with most detergents. Undiluted shampoos containing TEA-Lauryl Sulfate showed low potential for eliciting human skin sensitization. No evidence of photosensitization was observed in subjects exposed to solutions containing TEA-Lauryl Sulfate. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that TEA-Lauryl Sulfate can be used without significant irritation at a final concentration not exceeding 10.5%. Greater concentrations may cause irritation, especially if allowed to contact the skin for significant periods of time.
The CIR Expert Panel acknowledged that cosmetics and personal care products containing TEA-Lauryl Sulfate may give rise to nitrosoamines in the presence of nitrate or other nitrosating agents. TEA-Lauryl sulfate may contain small amounts of diethanolamine, a contaminant of triethanolamine.
More information about
Nitrosamines.
More information about
Diethanolamine.
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is not specifically regulated in the European Union. The level of
Triethanolamine in cosmetic products marketed in the European Union is limited to 2.5% (See Annex III). Cosmetic and personal care products containing TEA-Lauryl Sulfate may be marketed in Europe as long as the restrictions for using triethanolamine are followed.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...