Diethanolamine (DEA)

Diethanolamine is a chemical used in products as a foaming agent or emulsifier that gives them a creamy texture.

Skin exposure with diethanolamine is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing diethanolamine should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS ) to help identify potential sources of exposure.