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HYDROXYSULTAINES.

Valuable CAS - / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING

Hydroxysultaines are a class of amphoteric surfactants renowned for their gentle cleansing properties. They efficiently reduce surface tension, enhance foam, and contribute to the overall mildness and stability of cosmetic formulations across a wide pH range.

Summary

Antistatic Cleansing Foam Boosting Hair Conditioning Skin Conditioning Surfactant Viscosity Controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

As amphoteric surfactants, Hydroxysultaines exert their cleansing action by effectively reducing surface tension, enabling the removal of impurities from the skin. They function as robust foam boosters and are instrumental in enhancing formulation mildness and stability, particularly when synergistically combined with anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfates. Mechanistically, they stabilize surfactant micelles, preventing their degradation into potentially irritating monomeric forms. Additionally, certain hydroxysultaines contribute antistatic properties and act as viscosity modifiers within formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.25–12%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 2 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

Hydroxysultaines exhibit robust chemical stability across a broad pH range, typically from 2 to 12. Within this range, they maintain their zwitterionic form without significant hydrolysis or degradation, enabling their versatile use in both acidic and alkaline formulations.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants (e.g., alkyl sulfates) for enhanced mildness and formulation stability.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
11.5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that 13 alkyl sultaines, including hydroxysultaines, are safe in cosmetics within current use practices and concentrations. For Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, maximum reported use is up to 11.5% in rinse-off products and up to 2.5% in leave-on face and neck skin care products. For Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, it's used at up to 5% in rinse-off products. The Panel strongly advises manufacturers to minimize the content of 3,3-dimethylaminaminopropylamine (DMAPA) and other related sensitizing impurities in amidopropyl hydroxysultaine ingredients. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation also affirm the safety of Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine within specified concentration limits.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Hydroxysultaines are valuable amphoteric surfactants, offering effective yet gentle cleansing, enhanced foam, and robust formulation stability, with a generally low risk of irritation and broad compatibility across all skin types.

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