Tromethamine Middel pH-adjuster-stabiliser No known benefits Tromethamine at a glance Triol, or alcohol with three hydroxyl groups along with one amino group Used in skin care as a pH adjuster and as a neutralizing agent for fatty acids in a formulation Can reduce a formula’s chance of irritation Can function as a buffering agent in alkaline range of 7-9 CIR Expert Panel deemed safe for use in cosmetics at current levels Tromethamine description Tromethamine is a triol, a type of alcohol that contains three hydroxyl groups which consist of bonded hydrogen and oxygen atoms. It serves as a pH adjusting ingredient in skin care formulations. When used in cosmetic formulas it assists in neutralizing more acidic substances due to its alkaline pH. Although skin is naturally acidic, with a pH ranging between 4 and 5, altering skin’s natural delicate pH balance can cause irritation. The balance that tromethamine brings to a formula’s pH can help prevent this. As a raw material tromethamine appears as a white crystalline powder. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that it’s safe for use in current cosmetic preparations. It’s commonly used in concentrations between 0.00009–3.7%. Outside of cosmetics, tromethamine is used in medical applications to reduce acidity.