Triethanolamine (TEA), an emulsifier, surfactant and capping agent, may be used to study its toxicity profile and mechanisms. TEA may be used in various drug delivery constructs to improve drug solubility. TEA may be used to cap CdTe nanoparticles.Triethanolamine is found are liquid laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, general cleaners, hand cleaners, polishes, metalworking fluids, paints, shaving cream and printing inks. Triethanolamine is also used as organic additive in the grinding of cement clinker. TEA has also been used in photographic (silver halide) processing. It has been promoted as a useful alkali by amateur photographers.
