- ▸ Emulsifier: Anionic emulsifier for oil-in-water systems
- ▸ Personal care: Emulsifying agent in creams and lotions
- ▸ Formulation: Surface-active agent for emulsified products
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Triethanolamine stearate (TEA-stearate; INCI Triethanolamine Stearate; CAS 82009-17-4) is an anionic self-emulsifying surfactant — the triethanolamine salt of stearic acid (a soap). It is the classic oil-in-water emulsifier behind smooth, creamy lotions and creams, and it also serves as an emulsifier and dispersant in polishes, waxes and industrial emulsions. It can be supplied pre-formed or generated in situ from stearic acid and triethanolamine.
What is triethanolamine stearate?
It is the amine soap formed when stearic acid reacts with triethanolamine (TEA). The result is an anionic surfactant that lowers interfacial tension and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, producing the smooth, glossy, easily spread creams and lotions that TEA-stearate is known for. Many formulators generate it in place by including stearic acid and TEA in the formula; a pre-formed grade is also used.
Applications by sector
Personal care. A primary oil-in-water emulsifier for creams, lotions, foundations and vanishing-cream bases, giving smooth, stable, pearly-to-glossy emulsions. Polishes & waxes. An emulsifier for wax and oil emulsions in floor, furniture and car polishes. Industrial. An emulsifier and dispersant in metalworking, textile and coating emulsions. Match the emulsifier and the oil/water ratio to the emulsion you need.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a waxy solid/paste (pre-formed) or generated in situ from stearic acid and TEA; confirm form and grade on the RFQ. Related emulsifier: glyceryl monooleate.
Handling and documentation
TEA-stearate solutions are alkaline; handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies triethanolamine stearate (and the TEA and stearic acid to make it in situ) in bulk, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your form and target quantity. See also beauty & personal care.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Triethanolamine Stearate |
| CAS Number | 82009-17-4 (TEA: 102-71-6) |
| Chemical type | Anionic surfactant — triethanolamine salt of stearic acid (amine soap) |
| Appearance | Waxy solid / paste |
| Function | O/W emulsifier, dispersant |
| Solubility | Disperses in water (alkaline) |
| Handling | Alkaline — refer to the current SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is triethanolamine stearate used for?
Triethanolamine stearate (TEA-stearate, CAS 82009-17-4) is an anionic oil-in-water emulsifier used to make smooth, stable creams and lotions, and to emulsify oil/wax systems in polishes, waxes and industrial emulsions.
How does TEA-stearate emulsify?
It is the amine soap of stearic acid and triethanolamine; the anionic head and fatty tail sit at the oil/water interface and stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion. It is often generated in situ by including stearic acid and TEA in the formula.
What is the CAS of triethanolamine stearate?
The TEA-stearate salt is CAS 82009-17-4; triethanolamine itself is CAS 102-71-6. The CoA documents the grade.
How is bulk triethanolamine stearate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as a pre-formed grade, and supplies the triethanolamine and stearic acid to make it in situ, in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your form and target quantity.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including chemical properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim, or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.