Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine: unique behaviour in solution and in hair care formulations

Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010 Aug;32(4):246-57. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2009.00566.x. Epub 2010 Apr 1.

Abstract

The rise of ecological awareness among consumers and industry has impacted the cationic surfactants market. The most used cationic surfactants present some drawbacks in this sense. Therefore, new molecules are being studied and developed which fulfil eco-toxicological requirements without losing performance. One of these surfactants is Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine (BAPDMA). This biodegradable amidoamine, which converts into a cationic surfactant at acidic pH, shows outstanding water solubility, despite its very long alkyl chain. Its behaviour in solution has been exhaustively studied. The conditioning performance of this product is superior to that of commonly used cationic surfactants, providing a superior sensorial profile and improved combing force reductions on hair. Moreover, other applications for this product in the non-ionic form have been studied, such as conditioning agent in 2 in 1 shampoos, where it also shows colour protection effects, and as gelling agent in hair colouration creams. This multifunctional and high performance profile, together with an improved biodegradation and aquatic toxicity compared with currently used cationic surfactants, make this product a very interesting eco-friendly alternative for the hair care market.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dimethylamines / chemical synthesis*
  • Dimethylamines / chemistry
  • Dimethylamines / toxicity
  • Hair Preparations / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Surface Properties
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / toxicity
  • Toxicity Tests

Substances

  • Dimethylamines
  • Hair Preparations
  • Surface-Active Agents