Is DEA in your product a cancer-causing agent? 

Have you ever looked up the ingredients in your skincare, shampoo, detergent? Is there any possible cancer-causing agent in those products? What is DEA?

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a synthesized organic compound physically appeared as a white crystal or viscous liquid with an ammonia-like odor, it is denser and soluble in water (1). DEA is such a multifunctional compound which can be used in many different fields. It is commonly used in liquid laundry dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos and hair conditioners (2) to produce a creamy texture and foaming effects (3,4). Chemically, DEA is a weak base that balances the acidity of other ingredients that DEA also acts as a pH adjuster (3, 4) in many personal care products. Moreover, it is also known as a corrosion inhibitor in metal working fluids, acid gas remover in industrial gas purification and solvent for numerous drugs (2). DEA is not found in nature, it is usually industrial synthesized as a product of the reaction between ethylene oxide and ammonia (2). Probably, this makes DEA ammonia-like odor.

DEA may cause irritation of nose, throat, and skin may occur due to short-term inhalation and direct exposure in human (1). It may have an impact on animal's liver, kidney, blood and central nervous system by long-term exposure. No cancer causing effect on human health has been confirmed. The possible risk of carcinogenicity of DEA was also reviewed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - part of the World Health Organization and concluded that there is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of Diethanolamine in human and limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of Diethanolamine, even it may be a possible carcinogenicity to human (2,5). According to FDA, there is currently no need for consumers to be alarmed based on the use of these substances in cosmetics (4). 

However, all of these organizations based on only one study of National Toxicity Program on the cancer-causing effect of DEA in 1999 (5). Does that really make the science behind this compound? Personally, I would try to avoid using products containing DEA and DEA-related components even though there is not enough evidence for its risk of causing cancer in human that does not mean we are really sure DEA will not cause cancer or any health problem. In other words, it is considered safe for now because scientists are not able, but controversies. Following is a list of DEA-related ingredients may be found in several products recommended by FDA for anyone who wants to avoid those ingredients (4). Keep an eye on ingredients of any product is probably a good idea to prevent its negative impact on our health.

(FDA, 2006)

Reference:

(1)    Diethanolamine. (2016). Life technologies. Retrieved February 26, 2017 from https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/msds/2012/T2027_MTR-NALT_EN.pdf                          

(2)    International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2011). Some chemicals present in industrial and consumer products, food and drinking-water: Diethanolamine. Retrieved Feb 25,2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK373177/

(3)    Diethanolamine. (2016). Cosmetics info. Retrieved February 28 from http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/diethanolamine

(4)    Foods and Drugs Administration. (2006). Diethanolamine. Retrieved Mar 1, 2017 from https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Ingredients/ucm109655.htm

(5)    National Toxicity Program (1999). Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of diethanolamine (cas no. 111–42–2) in f344/n rats and b6c3f1 mice (dermal studies).  Retrieved Mar 1, 2017 from https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr478.pdf

Also:

O'Neil MJ, Heckelman PE, Koch CB, Roman KJ. (2006). The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 14th Ed. NJ: Merck & Co

Pubchem. (n.d). Diethanolamine. Retrieved Feb 24, 2017 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/8113#section=Top