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DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYLAMINE.

Avoid CAS 109-55-7 / NOT REPORTED

Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) is a strong alkaline aliphatic diamine primarily recognized in skincare as a sensitizing impurity. It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of certain surfactants, such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), and its presence can lead to adverse skin reactions. Its robust basicity also contributes to its irritant potential.

Summary

Intermediate in surfactant synthesis Known sensitizing impurity

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a strong base, a 1% aqueous solution of DMAPA exhibits a pH above 11, indicating its inherent irritant capacity. It functions as an allergen, often released within the skin through the enzymatic hydrolysis of amidoamine, another synthesis intermediate, which subsequently triggers sensitization.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

0.01%

Key findings

  1. 01 Patch testing with 1% aqueous solutions and concentrations exceeding 0.1% (>1000 ppm) consistently induced positive reactions on normal and tape-stripped skin, indicating significant sensitizing potential.
  2. 02 A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) demonstrated no sensitization in finished cosmetic products when DMAPA was present as an impurity at a concentration of 0.01% in raw Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Dimethylaminopropylamine is not an active ingredient with beneficial effects; it is primarily known as a sensitizing impurity whose presence in formulations should be minimized and strictly controlled rather than intentionally added.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Dimethylaminopropylamine is a strong base (1% aqueous solution pH > 11), prone to discoloration upon air exposure and hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture. Storage below +30°C with nitrogen padding is recommended to prevent discoloration and moisture uptake.

Conflicts

  • Isocyanates
  • Halogenated organics
  • Peroxides
  • Phenols (acidic)
  • Epoxides
  • Anhydrides
  • Acid halides
  • Strong reducing agents (e.g., hydrides, as these may generate flammable gaseous hydrogen)
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Lead
  • Alloys containing copper, zinc, or lead

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.01%
Sensitization risk High

The CIR Expert Panel deemed fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamines (DMAPA derivatives) safe as cosmetic ingredients when formulated to be non-sensitizing, based on quantitative risk assessment. However, DMAPA itself is unequivocally identified as a sensitizing impurity. A QRA indicates that DMAPA at 0.01% in raw CAPB results in no sensitization in finished cosmetic products. DMAPA is a restricted substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation (Annex III/62), though it lacks an explicit SCCS review or FDA cosmetic ingredient status.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Dimethylaminopropylamine is a potent sensitizer and irritant, functioning primarily as an unwanted impurity in cosmetic formulations, and should be rigorously avoided as an intentional ingredient.

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