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BABASSUAMIDE DEA.

Valuable CAS 124046-24-8 / HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Derived from the fatty acids of Babassu oil, this alkanolamide serves as a multifunctional non-ionic surfactant that balances cleansing power with skin conditioning. It is specifically engineered to enhance foam quality and stabilize formulations while providing a softer post-wash feel compared to traditional surfactants.

Surfactant Cleansing agent Foam booster Viscosity controlling Hair conditioning

Science

It functions by lowering the surface tension of water to lift impurities and oils from the skin's surface. On a structural level, it increases the surface viscosity of liquid films within foam bubbles to prevent collapse, while its lipid-rich babassu chain offers emollient benefits that help mitigate potential dryness during the cleansing process.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 1–10%
Optimal

10%

Key findings

  1. 01 Dermal patch testing confirmed that concentrations up to 10% are non-sensitizing and safe for both leave-on and rinse-off applications.
  2. 02 Safety was demonstrated at levels as high as 50% for rinse-off products, provided the final formulation is engineered to be non-irritating.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
1%
Red flag below
0.5%

In professional skincare, Babassuamide DEA is typically used as a functional stabilizer rather than a 'hero' active; however, if used below 1% in a surfactant-heavy product, it may not provide the intended viscosity and foam-boosting benefits.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains excellent stability in neutral to slightly alkaline environments; however, it remains vulnerable to hydrolysis when exposed to strong mineral acids or extreme alkaline concentrations.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants
  • Amphoteric surfactants
  • Glycerin

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating agents (e.g., Sodium Nitrite)
  • Formaldehyde donors
  • Strong mineral acids

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Must be formulated to be non-irritating. Regulatory standards (CIR/EU) limit free Diethanolamine (DEA) content to less than 0.5% in the raw material to prevent the formation of nitrosamines.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

A highly effective secondary surfactant and stabilizer that adds a luxurious texture and skin-conditioning finish to cleansing formulations.


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