Tromethamine
AKA “Trometamol, Tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, Tham, Trisamine, 3-propanediol, Tris buffer, Tromethane, Tris-base”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Tromethamine
AKA: Trometamol, Tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, Trisamine, 3-propanediol, Tris buffer, Tromethane, Tris-base
Synthetic · Buffer · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Fragrance
Synthetic
Clean
Helps balance the product's pH level to keep it gentle on skin while also contributing subtle fragrance notes.
Solubility 79.1 mg/mL in ethylene glycol; 26 mg/mL in methanol; 14.6 mg/mL in anhyd ethanol; 22 mg/mL in 95% ethanol; 14 mg/mL in dimethyl formamide; 20 mg/mL in acetone; 0.5 mg/mL in ethyl acetate; 0.4 mg/mL in olive oil; 0.1 mg/mL in cyclohexane; 0.05 mg/mL in chloroform; less than 0.05 mg/mL in carbon tetrachloride
Formula
C4H11NO3
Mol. Weight
121.14
CAS #
77-86-1
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid; Other Solid
See origin →
Functions
Buffer
Fragrance
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Buffering
Maintains optimal pH
Traditional Use
A synthetic buffering agent developed in the mid-20th century for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. Used to stabilize pH in skincare formulations and reduce irritation from acidic or alkaline ingredients.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine, Aminomethyl Propanediol, and Aminoethyl Propanediol as Used in Cosmetics.
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2018
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine, Aminomethyl Propanediol, and Aminoethyl Propanediol as Used in Cosmetics.
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2018
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine, Aminomethyl Propanediol and Aminoethyl Propanediol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lithothamnion Calcareum Powder
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lithothamnion Corallioides Powder
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Carthamus Tinctorius Safflower Seed Oil
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Carthamus Tinctorius Safflower Seed Oil Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Lithothamnion Calcareum Powder
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Tromethamine
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Trichloronitromethane
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Progress in 1,3-propanediol biosynthesis.
Li B, Gao W, Pan Y, Yao Y, Liu G
Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 2024
The potential cutaneous benefits of Carthamus tinctorius oleosomes.
Patel P, Wang JY, Mineroff J, Jagdeo J
Archives of dermatological research, 2023
Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function.
Pinto JR, Monteiro E Silva SA, Leonardi GR
International journal of cosmetic science, 2024
Electrokinetic analysis reveals common conditioner ingredient interactions with human hair.
Tham HP, Yip KY, Luxbacher T, McMullen RL, Dawson TL Jr
International journal of cosmetic science, 2025
Electrokinetic analysis reveals common conditioner ingredient interactions with human hair.
Tham HP, Yip KY, Luxbacher T, McMullen RL, Dawson TL Jr
International journal of cosmetic science, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR