TEA-Sulfate
TEA-Sulfate is a cleansing agent and foaming ingredient commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair by creating lather and breaking down surface tension. While effective, it can be more irritating than some other surfactants.
Surfactant
RiskModerate 1.5 / 4
Irritation i1.8 / 4
Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.
Sensitization i1 / 4
Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.
Systemic exposure i0.5 / 4
Whether it has meaningful potential to be absorbed into the body at levels that may matter biologically. Most cosmetic ingredients score low unless there is known concern or high exposure.
Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.
What it helps with
- effective cleansing
- good foaming properties
Things to watch
- potential for skin irritation
- can be drying to skin and hair
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Frequently asked questions
- Is TEA-Sulfate a 'sulfate' like SLS?
- Yes, TEA-Sulfate is a type of sulfate-based surfactant, similar to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It functions similarly in cleansing and foaming, and shares some of the same potential for irritation.
- Can TEA-Sulfate cause skin dryness?
- Due to its strong cleansing action, TEA-Sulfate can strip natural oils from the skin and hair, potentially leading to dryness, especially for individuals with sensitive or already dry skin.
