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Moumoujus

CAPRAMIDE DEA.

Valuable CAS 136-26-5 / ANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Capramide DEA is a multifunctional fatty acid diethanolamide that serves as a high-performance secondary surfactant and foam stabilizer. It is primarily utilized in cleansing formulations to refine texture, boost lather richness, and enhance the antimicrobial efficiency of active ingredients.

Summary

Surfactant Foam Booster Viscosity Controlling Antistatic Conditioning Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a non-ionic surfactant, it lowers the surface tension of water to effectively emulsify debris and sebum for easy removal. It enhances formulation structural integrity by building micellar networks that increase viscosity and strengthens the interfacial film around air bubbles to ensure a dense, long-lasting foam.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–10%
Optimal

2%

Key findings

  1. 01 At a concentration of 0.5%, Capramide DEA acts as a potent co-surfactant, accelerating the biocidal action of antimicrobial agents to achieve a >5 log reduction of common bacteria within 30 seconds.
  2. 02 Studies at 2.0% demonstrate its ability to stabilize formulations and maintain the integrity of active cleansing agents without compromising the formula's therapeutic benefits.
  3. 03 Safety data at 10.0% indicates minimal subjective and clinical irritation during prolonged human bathing trials.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.1%

Because Capramide DEA is a functional stabilizer rather than a primary active, it is rarely 'dusted' for marketing claims. However, levels below 0.5% may fail to provide significant rheological or foam-boosting benefits in professional-grade cleansers.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 3.5 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains stability across a broad pH range (3.5–10), though concentrated solutions are naturally alkaline. It is thermally sensitive and should not be processed or stored at temperatures exceeding 89°F (31.7°C).

Synergies

  • Chloroxylenol (PCMX)
  • Anionic surfactants
  • Antimicrobial agents

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (Sodium Nitrite, Bronopol)
  • Strong mineral acids
  • Strong bases

Safety

Safety Profile

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

Safety is dependent on the absence of nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of nitrosamines. Strict adherence to EU standards (secondary amine content <0.5%) is required for finished product safety.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An effective rheology modifier and lather enhancer that also provides significant synergistic support for antimicrobial cleansing systems.

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