Ingredient
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- DEA
- 2,2'-Iminodiethanol
- Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Diethanolamine and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
- Hormone disruptor
Diethanolamine (DEA) is a pH adjuster and emulsifying agent commonly found in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. It helps products foam and maintain a stable consistency while adjusting their acidity levels. Several animal studies have raised significant concerns about DEA use during pregnancy. According to research published in toxicology journals, DEA can be absorbed through the skin and has been shown to interfere with fetal brain development in animal studies, specifically affecting choline metabolism which is critical for neural development. The National Toxicology Program found that DEA accumulated in tissues and caused developmental effects when animals were exposed during pregnancy. While human studies are limited, the mechanism of action and animal data suggest potential risks for fetal development, particularly in the nervous system. Most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding DEA-containing products during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. The EU has restricted DEA concentrations in cosmetics due to safety concerns. Pregnant women should look for DEA-free alternatives, which are increasingly common as manufacturers reformulate products.
Diethanolamine and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Diethanolamine can be absorbed through the skin during use in personal care products like shampoos and body washes. Once in the bloodstream, compounds can potentially transfer into breast milk depending on their chemical properties. According to toxicology studies, DEA has the chemical properties that allow it to accumulate in tissues and potentially transfer to breast milk. The compound can interfere with choline metabolism, which is important for infant brain development. While specific breastfeeding studies are limited, the AAD notes that many dermatologists recommend avoiding DEA-containing products during lactation due to potential infant exposure through milk and concerns about neurodevelopmental effects observed in animal studies. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to choose DEA-free alternatives, which are widely available. Pay particular attention to shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, which are the most common sources of DEA exposure.
Diethanolamine and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concerns with DEA are skin irritation and potential long-term health effects from regular exposure. DEA can cause skin and eye irritation, which may be more pronounced if skin is already sensitive from hormonal changes. While the acute risks are lower without pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns, the long-term use of DEA-containing products is still discouraged by many dermatologists due to its irritant properties and the potential for nitrosamine formation when combined with certain preservatives. Women in the postpartum period may prefer gentler alternatives to support skin recovery.
Diethanolamine and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should be cautious with DEA-containing products due to the ingredient's potential effects on choline metabolism and possible endocrine-disrupting properties. The body needs optimal choline levels for fertility and early embryonic development. Many fertility specialists recommend minimizing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors and compounds that could affect early pregnancy when women are trying to conceive, even before pregnancy is confirmed. Since DEA has raised concerns in animal studies regarding fetal development, discontinuing use before conception is advisable. Switching to DEA-free products is a simple precautionary step that eliminates potential risk.
Diethanolamine and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Irritant
Diethanolamine has been identified in research as having potential endocrine-disrupting properties. While the evidence is not definitive, some studies suggest that DEA may interfere with hormone signaling pathways. For women with PCOS who are already managing hormonal imbalances, minimizing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors is generally recommended by endocrinologists. While topical exposure through cosmetics is relatively low, choosing products without DEA may be a prudent precaution for women working to optimize their hormonal health. The irritant properties of DEA may also be problematic for women with PCOS who experience inflammatory skin conditions. Gentler alternatives are widely available and may be better choices for maintaining skin health while managing PCOS.
Diethanolamine and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Carcinogen concern
- Endocrine disruptor
Diethanolamine is used in various personal care products as a pH adjuster and emulsifier. While it serves functional purposes in formulations, it has raised significant safety concerns based on extensive toxicology research. According to the National Toxicology Program, long-term exposure to DEA in animal studies caused liver and kidney toxicity and increased cancer rates. DEA can also react with other cosmetic ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. The SCCS has noted that DEA can be irritating to skin and eyes, particularly at higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure. The EU restricts DEA to 0.5% in leave-on products, and California lists it as a substance that may cause cancer. Many cosmetic manufacturers are reformulating products to remove DEA, and consumers can easily find DEA-free alternatives that serve the same functions without the associated risks.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Diethanolamine, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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