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LAURYL HYDROXYETHYL IMIDAZOLINE.

Avoid CAS 136-99-2 / ANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING

Lauryl Hydroxyethyl Imidazoline functions as a cationic surfactant, primarily valued for its antistatic and hair conditioning properties. It contributes to improved hair manageability, softness, and shine by neutralizing surface electrical charges. Furthermore, it can serve as an intermediate in producing mild amphoteric cosmetic ingredients and exhibits emulsifying capabilities.

Summary

Antistatic Agent Hair Conditioning Agent Emulsifier Corrosion Inhibitor Wetting Agent Film Former Thickening Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound operates as a cationic surface-active agent upon neutralization. Its mechanism involves the neutralization of electrical charges, making it effective as an antistatic agent. In hair care applications, it acts as a conditioning agent, depositing a film that enhances softness, shine, and manageability. When forming acid salts, it additionally exhibits properties such as wetting, emulsification, detergency, and film formation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Lauryl Hydroxyethyl Imidazoline is oil soluble and water dispersible when neutralized. Its unneutralized form possesses very low water solubility (estimated 1.537 mg/L at 25 °C), which can be increased by salting with lower molecular weight acids. Conversely, salting with longer chain organic acids enhances its oil solubility. Hydrolysis of imidazoline is acid-catalyzed. Storage should be in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong oxidizers, utilizing corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., plastic or stainless steel).

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizers

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

An Australian government evaluation notes infrequent cosmetic use of long-chain alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazolines, including lauryl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, with reported concentrations typically at low levels (e.g., 0.3%). Critical health effects identified for risk characterization include systemic acute effects from oral exposure and local effects such such as skin corrosion and eye damage. Related imidazolines (CAS No. 95-38-5) showed corrosive responses on rabbit skin at 5% in water with 1 and 4-hour exposures, though no such response was observed at 3 minutes. A related ingredient, Oleyl Hydroxyethyl Imidazoline, is classified as causing severe skin burns and eye damage (H314). However, chemicals in this group are generally not expected to be skin sensitizers.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Primarily valued for hair conditioning and antistatic effects, this ingredient is not recommended for precision skincare formulations due to an unreviewed safety profile, documented potential for irritation/corrosion at higher concentrations, and a lack of established direct skin benefits.

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