Diethanolamine is widely used in the preparation of diethanolamides and diethanolamine salts of long-chain fatty acids that are formulated into soaps and surfactants used in liquid laundry and dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos and hair conditioners.In oil refineries, a DEA in water solution is commonly used
Diethanolamine is used in metalworking fluids for cutting, stamping and die-casting operations as a corrosion inhibitor.
Diethanolamine is a member of the class of ethanolamines that is ethanolamine having a N-hydroxyethyl substituent. It has a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite. It derives from an ethanolamine.