DEA (diethanolamine) compounds give cosmetics a creamy and sudsy-like texture. DEA is an emulsifier in shampoos, cleaners and detergents. According to The Good Human, this chemical is initially found in brake fluid, degreasers, and antifreeze. Which is not something anyone should be using to rinse their body with.
FOUND IN
- moisturizer
- sunscreen
- soap
- shampoo
- hair conditioner
- shaving cream
- mascara
- eyeliner
- eyeshadow
- blush
- make-up foundation
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Triethanolamine, diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, cocaminde DEA, cocamide MEA, linoleamide MEA, myristaminde DEA, oleamide DEA, stearamide DEA, Tea-lauryl sulfate
RISKS
Skin Irritation: DEA and its compounds have been found to cause mild skin and eye irritation.
Cancer: Exposure to high doses of DEA and its compounds have been shown to cause liver cancer.
Organ System Toxicity: Studies have found that DEO affects human male reproductive health by altering sperm structure, and causing abnormalities that affect the sperms ability to swim and complete fertilization (5).
