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DISTEAROYLETHYL DIMONIUM CHLORIDE.

Valuable CAS 67846-68-8 / ANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING

DISTEAROYLETHYL DIMONIUM CHLORIDE is a cationic surfactant primarily functioning as a hair and skin conditioning agent and emulsifier. It enhances moisturization and helps deliver emollients without a greasy after-feel, particularly in acidic formulations.

Summary

Antistatic Hair Conditioning Emulsifying Surfactant Emollient system component

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a cationic surfactant, exhibiting high substantivity to both hair and skin due to its positive charge. On skin, it provides conditioning, while its emulsifying properties allow it to be integrated into emollient systems, often with fatty alcohols. This enables effective moisturization and the delivery of 'heavy' emollients, resulting in a non-greasy finish.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.65–6%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 An in vitro eye (HET-CAM) irritation study found the substance to be non-irritating at a 65% concentration.
  2. 02 Regulatory assessment suggests that use in cosmetic products at concentrations below 6% poses a low risk, with minimal expected systemic toxicity, dermal absorption, or irritation to the eyes and skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 4.5
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal stability is achieved in an acidic pH range, specifically between 4.0 and 4.5, requiring the final product's pH to be below 5.0. Higher pH environments lead to its degradation. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in ethanol and should be incorporated into the heated oil phase during formulation.

Synergies

  • Fatty alcohols (for creating emollient systems)

Conflicts

  • Higher pH environments (above 5.0)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
6%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The U.S. EPA Safer Chemical program identifies it as a low concern. However, the concentrated substance carries GHS classifications for causing skin and serious eye irritation. While the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) indicates irritation is not expected at cosmetic concentrations (<6%), the Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies it as 'unacceptable' for EWG Verified products, citing concerns including low neurotoxicity, low endocrine disruption, low-moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and low-moderate allergies & immunotoxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

DISTEAROYLETHYL DIMONIUM CHLORIDE is a valuable ingredient for enhancing conditioning and emollient delivery in skincare, provided it is formulated within its optimal acidic pH range and at safe concentrations below 6%.

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