DEA-PEG-4 LAURATE
Safety score · 0–100
Fine
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A diethanolamine-based emulsifier and surfactant for cosmetic formulations, subject to EU restriction due to potential nitrosamine formation.
DEA-PEG-4 laurate is a diethanolamine salt of PEG-4 laurate, used as an emulsifying and skin conditioning agent. It is listed in EU CosIng with restriction II/411 under the Cosmetics Regulation, requiring that it does not contain more than 0.5% DEA and that it is not used with nitrosating systems. This restriction addresses the theoretical risk of nitrosamine formation from secondary amines like DEA reacting with nitrosating agents.
Skin benefits
- Effective emulsifying agent for oil-in-water formulations
- Provides skin conditioning properties
Known concerns
- EU restriction II/411 — DEA content must be below 0.5%
- Theoretical nitrosamine formation risk — avoid combination with nitrosating agents
- DEA can be a skin sensitizer at elevated concentrations
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Check your shelf
Find DEA-PEG-4 LAURATE in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains DEA-PEG-4 LAURATE and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.