Written by 
Angela Copple
A rich, foamy lather might seem like a sign of a great shampoo, but what’s behind those bubbles?
Many conventional pet shampoos contain TEA, DEA, and MEA—three chemical ingredients that help create a thick, creamy texture. While they may make bath time feel luxurious, these compounds come with serious health concerns that every pet parent should know about.
What Are TEA, DEA, and MEA in Dog Shampoo?
These ingredients belong to a group of chemicals called ethanolamines, which are made from alcohol (ethanol) and proteins (amines). They have an ammonia-like odor, which is often masked with artificial fragrance so you won’t notice it.
Why Are They Used?
Ethanolamines are added to shampoo to:
Thicken the product for a creamy texture
Increase foaming to create a rich lather
Stabilize formulas to make them last longer on store shelves
Since these chemicals are restricted from use in organic shampo, customers often notice that truly natural dog shampoos (like 4-Legger) feel thinner than conventional products. That’s because we leave out the bad stuff.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Ethanolamines?
While TEA, DEA, and MEA make shampoo feel luxurious, they pose serious health risks.
Nitrosamine Formation – When ethanolamines mix with certain preservatives or other ingredients, they can break down into nitrosamines, a known carcinogen.
Reproductive & Organ Toxicity – Studies suggest nitrosamines accumulate in organs (liver, bladder, etc.), leading to chronic toxic effects.
No Regulations for Pet Products – The FDA monitors nitrosamine levels in human cosmetics (and has cut allowed levels in half since the 1980s), but there are no such regulations for pet grooming products.
Scientific Findings:
A study from San Jose University found that a common nitrosamine impurity “is readily absorbed through the skin and accumulates in organs, where it induces chronic toxic effects.” (Matyska et al., 2000).
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that nitrosamines cause cancer in every animal species studied—including primates (IARC, 1978; 1982; 1985; 1987).
No other carcinogen has been found to cause cancer in as many species as nitrosamines.
Lesson 4: Eliminate All Ethanolamines from Your Dog’s Shampoo
To keep your pet safe, avoid products with TEA, DEA, or MEA.
What to Look for on the Label
Ethanolamines can hide under many names:
Common Names for TEA, DEA, & MEA:
TEA (Triethanolamine)
DEA (Diethanolamine)
MEA (Monoethanolamine)
Cocamide DEA / Cocamide MEA
DEA-Cetyl Phosphate / DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
Lauramide DEA / Linoleamide MEA
Myristamide DEA / Oleamide DEA
Stearamide MEA
TEA-Laureth Sulfate
If you see any of these on a label, put the product back!
How to Choose a Truly Safe & Non-Toxic Dog Shampoo
Check ingredient labels – If it contains TEA, DEA, or MEA, avoid it.
Look for USDA Organic Certification – Certified organic products cannot contain ethanolamines or their byproducts.
Choose transparency – Brands that don’t disclose full ingredients may be hiding harmful chemicals.
4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo is 100% free from ethanolamines, nitrosamines, and toxic additives.
Don’t trust marketing buzzwords—trust certifications.
Make the switch today and give your pet the safest, most natural grooming possible!
Stay tuned for Lesson 5 in our guide to Buying a Truly Safe & Non-Toxic Dog Shampoo!
