Is Diethanolamine Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Diethanolamine is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Diethanolamine. CAS 111-42-2.
Is Diethanolamine banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | shampoo, bubble bath, lotion |
| CAS number | 111-42-2 |
What is Diethanolamine?
Diethanolamine (Diethanolamine) is an emulsifier and foaming agent (DEA).
Why is Diethanolamine used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Diethanolamine dangerous? Documented risks
Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines; DEA is banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Diethanolamine
- shampoo
- bubble bath
- lotion
How to avoid Diethanolamine: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Diethanolamine
Is Diethanolamine banned in the EU?
Diethanolamine is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Diethanolamine in US cosmetics?
Yes — Diethanolamine can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Diethanolamine?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Diethanolamine automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Diethanolamine?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Diethanolamine.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Diethanolamine or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.