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 N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), also Group 2B. The EU added DEA to the prohibited list (Annex II) via Commission Regulation (EU) No 344/2013, adopted April 2013. Still permitted 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