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Tromethamine
A pH neutralising agent used in gel and serum formulations. Preferred over triethanolamine (TEA) in clean beauty for its lower nitrosamine formation risk and cleaner safety profile.
Benefits
- pH neutralisation — activates carbomer and other polymer gels
- Lower nitrosamine formation risk than triethanolamine
- Clean alternative to TEA in gel formulations
- Stabilises acidic and neutral pH formulations
- Water-soluble, highly effective at low concentrations
Example uses
- PDRN serums
- Peptide gel serums
- K-beauty lightweight gel moisturisers
- Carbomer-based gel formulations
- Eye serum formulas
Mechanism of action
Amine group (pKa 8.1) accepts protons from carbomer's carboxylic acid groups at the target pH, neutralising the polymer and triggering gel network formation via electrostatic chain extension. Lower nitrosamine formation risk than secondary amines (TEA) due to the primary amine structure.
Clinical evidence · High
Well-characterised pH neutraliser with safety assessments by CIR and SCCS confirming safety and lower nitrosamine concern vs. TEA.
Effective concentration range
0.01–0.5%
Formulation notes
Used at very low concentrations for pH neutralisation. Highly effective — use sparingly to avoid over-alkalinisation. Compatible with carbomer, acrylate polymers.
Watchouts
Synthetic amino alcohol — flagged in some ultra-natural formulations. Safety profile significantly better than triethanolamine for nitrosamine formation.
Stacks with
Controversies & overclaims
No significant controversy.
Market positioning
Sold as cleaner TEA alternative for gel pH adjustment. Accurate.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Tromethamine
tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane · THAM · trometamol · tris base
Clean beauty perception
Accepted in clean beauty as a safer alternative to TEA. EWG rating 1.
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