Triethanolamine is used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant. It is a common ingredient in formulations used for both industrial and consumer products. Triethanolamine that neutralizes fatty acids, adjusts and buffers pH, and solubilises oils and other ingredients that are not completely water-soluble. Some of the common products in which triethanolamine is found are liquid detergents laundry, dishwashing fluids, general cleaners, hand sanitizers, polishes, metallic liquids, paints, shaving cream and printing inks.