Does DEA, which is also found in shampoo, pose a cancer risk?

Ingredients that are often avoided overseas

Even if you see "DEA" listed as an ingredient in cosmetics, many people may not know what it actually means.

In fact, many people overseas avoid "DEA." In this article, we will explain what DEA is and why many people avoid it.

What is DEA?

The official name of DEA is "diethanolamine." It is a chemical compound called "ethanolamine" that is composed of amino acids and alcohol.

Ethanolamine is a colorless, transparent, sticky liquid. It has an odor similar to ammonia . Ingredients such as TEA and MEA are also in the ethanolamine family.

DEA is mainly used in cosmetics to improve foaming, so it is often found in products that produce foam, such as body wash, shampoo , soap, and facial cleanser.

However, it may also be found in other products, such as:

• Eyeliner
• mascara
• Eyeshadow
• Cheek
• Makeup base or foundation
• Sunscreen
• perfume

DEA's buddies

DEA can bind to a variety of substances, so the following substances are also DEA-related:

• Cocamide DEA
• Alkyl (C12, 13) sulfate DEA
• (C12, 13) Pareth-3 Sulfate DEA
• DEA Lauryl Sulfate
• Cetyl Phosphate DEA
• DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
• Lauramide DEA
• Myristamide DEA
• Oleamide DEA

There are many, but the key point is that the ingredient name contains "DEA."

Is DEA carcinogenic?

In fact, DEA has banned its use in cosmetics in Europe and Canada because of its potential to increase the risk of cancer.

The reason is that when certain ingredients are mixed with ethanolamine, a substance called "nitrosamine" is formed. This "nitrosamine" is a substance that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has recognized as a carcinogen. It is a strong carcinogen.

During the manufacturing process of cosmetics, some DEA may be converted into nitrosamines. Due to these risks, some countries and regions have imposed restrictions on cosmetics.

On the other hand, organizations that evaluate the safety of cosmetic ingredients have rated DEA as "basically safe."
However, even though it is safe, there are conditions for its use.

1. Avoid concomitant use with substances that may form nitrosamines
2. Use for a short period of time and rinse immediately after use
3. Do not use more than 5% in products that come into contact with the skin for long periods of time.

In other words, even if DEA is safe by itself, it may react with other substances to produce carcinogens.

Health effects

If nitrosamines were to form from DEA, the following serious effects could occur:

cancer

It has been shown to cause liver and kidney tumors in animal studies .

Accumulation in the skin

Research has shown that 52% to 68% of the DEA found in hair dyes, lotions, shampoos, etc. accumulates in the surface layer of the skin.

Toxicity to internal organs

Research has shown that DEA can have a negative effect on male reproductive function, possibly altering the structure of sperm and causing abnormalities that affect sperm implantation into the egg.

There are other studies that point to similar risks.

• Organ toxicity due to accumulation in the liver and kidneys
• Neurotoxicity, such as causing tremors
• Maternal exposure to DEA may have long-term effects on children's memory and brain development

Do the shampoos and cosmetics you use every day contain DEA?

Of course, just because it contains DEA doesn't mean you'll get sick or have any immediate effects, but it might be a good idea to be a little more mindful of what chemicals you're putting on your skin every day.