Learn Glossary solvent processing aid

Diethanolamine

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Diethanolamine is a solvent processing aid — Solvent, emulsifying additive, detergent

Also: DEA

What it does

Solvent, emulsifying additive, detergent

Where you'll see it

Detergents, emulsifiers, foaming additives in cosmetics

What the research says

NTP study showed association between topical DEA application and certain DEA-related ingredients and cancer in laboratory animals.

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): showing an association between topical application of diethanolamine and certain DEA-related ingredients and cancer in laboratory animals