Tea Stearate

What is Tea Stearate?

TEA Stearate, chemically triethanolamine stearate, forms from reacting stearic acid—a saturated fatty acid from plant or animal sources—with triethanolamine, a synthetic ethanolamine compound. This creates an anionic surfactant commonly used in rinse-off cleansers such as shampoos, shower gels, and facial washes, and in leave-on products like creams and lotions. It works by reducing surface tension between liquids, allowing water to mix with oils and soils for effective dirt removal during rinsing. As an emulsifying agent, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures by forming a protective film at the interface, preventing phase separation and promoting even distribution of ingredients. Its balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties enable foaming in washes and smooth consistency in emulsions, contributing to user-friendly formulations without excessive drying.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Supports gentle cleansing by enabling micelles that lift oils and impurities from skin.

Stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions for consistent texture and easy application.

Offers low comedogenic potential, minimizing pore-clogging risks in formulations.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking mild surfactants in daily cleansers and body washes.
People sensitive to ethanolamine compounds may experience reactions.
Users of emulsion-based products like moisturizers needing stable blends.
Individuals with known allergies to fatty acid derivatives.
Those preferring ingredients with low comedogenic ratings for everyday routines.
Those avoiding synthetic surfactants in favor of fully natural alternatives.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall in cosmetic applications by safety assessments.
  • Minimize exposure concerns by using in rinse-off products as primary function.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tea Stearate

What is TEA Stearate used for in skincare?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing, emulsifying agent for stable lotions, and aids foaming in washes.

Is TEA Stearate safe for sensitive skin?

It rates low in hazard assessments, functioning mildly in rinse-off and emulsion products.

Does TEA Stearate clog pores?

With a comedogenic rating of 0, it poses low risk for pore blockage.