Diethylethanolamine

/ˌdaɪˌɛθəlˌɛθənɔːlˈæmiːn/ noun

Definition

A pale yellow liquid chemical used in cosmetics, detergents, and paints to help dissolve and mix different ingredients.

Etymology

From 'di-' (two) + 'ethyl' (two-carbon group) + 'ethanol' (alcohol) + 'amine' (nitrogen-based group). Synthesized in the 20th century as the chemical industry created thousands of new compounds for consumer products.

Kelly Says

Your sunscreen, face cream, and even some shampoos contain this ingredient—it's the unsung hero that keeps all those different liquids and oils from separating and ruining the product you paid for.

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