Omitting this substance will not affect the appearance of hand lotion because it is a white or off white color. Since it is an alcohol compound if it is left out of the formula it will keep your hands from drying out as fast. Triethanolamine is considered as an amine alcohol. The compound itself does not affect much the appearance of the hand lotion prepared as it is colorless, But, the alcohol If avoided would result in a hand lotion which would not get dried out easily