In Brief: Diethanolamine
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Diethanolamine: FDA Office of Cosmetics & Colors releases statement Feb. 26 on the agency's Web site to assuage consumer concern regarding diethanolamine and DEA-derived ingredients in cosmetics. "At the present time, there is no reason for consumers to be alarmed based on the usage of these ingredients in cosmetics," FDA states. "Consumers wishing to avoid cosmetics containing DEA or its conjugates may do so by reviewing the ingredient statement required to appear on the outer container label of cosmetics offered for retail sale to consumers," the agency adds. FDA's statement responds to a news piece on "CBS This Morning" Feb. 23 that discussed the NIH National Toxicology Program's December findings suggesting a link between DEA and cancer in lab animals ("The Rose Sheet" Dec. 22, 1997, p. 2). DEA and its esters are found in over 4,000 products, including shampoos and conditioners, according to FDA data. In a separate statement, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association says "there is no evidence that products containing DEA have been unsafe for consumers"...