Tea-laureth sulfate (inci)

"TEA" is the acronym for triethanolamine, a quaternary ammonium compound. Triethanolamine reacts easily with fatty acids to form triethanolamine soaps and is used as a basic component in soaps and other cosmetic products. "Laureth sulfates" are laurylether sulfates or dodecyl poly(oxyethylene) sulfates. Sulfates are salts or esters of sulfuric acid.

TEA-laureth sulfate is a substance used in cosmetic formulations where it acts as an emulsifier (surface-active substance used in cosmetic products as an additive to combine two immiscible liquids - e.g. oil and water - to form an emulsion), surfactant (washing-active substance; improves the even distribution of the products during application) and foaming agent (increases the foam formation and improves the volume, structure and durability of the foam).