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SHEA BUTTERAMIDOPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE.

Questionable CAS - / HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Shea Butteramidopropyltrimonium Chloride is a cationic surfactant derived from shea butter. It primarily functions as a conditioning agent for hair and skin, and also as an emulsifier to stabilize cosmetic formulations.

Summary

Hair Conditioning Surfactant Emulsifying Antistatic

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a cationic surfactant, this ingredient carries a positive charge, enabling it to adsorb onto negatively charged surfaces such as hair and skin. This interaction provides conditioning benefits like enhanced combability, softness, and shine. Additionally, its emulsifying properties facilitate the stable blending of oil and water phases within cosmetic products.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.2–10%
Optimal

2%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical data indicates that at concentrations between 2.0% and 6.0%, Shea Butteramidopropyltrimonium Chloride significantly improves hair brightness, volume, combability, and softness. These benefits are observed with lower reported irritability compared to traditional cationic surfactants.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient functions as a conditioning and emulsifying agent, not typically an active ingredient analyzed for 'dusting' related to targeted skin concerns.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Shea Butteramidopropyltrimonium Chloride is stable within a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It is susceptible to oxidation and may ignite upon contact with strong oxidizing agents.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidants
  • anionic surfactants

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not evaluated Shea Butteramidopropyltrimonium Chloride. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it 'Unacceptable' for EWG VERIFIED products, citing concerns including low neurotoxicity, low endocrine disruption, and low-moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity. EWG notes reproductive effects in animals from related quaternary ammonium disinfectants at moderate doses, along with associations with endocrine disruption and in vitro neurotoxicity. In its solid form, the ingredient carries a risk of irritation, including strong irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective as a hair conditioning and emulsifying agent, Shea Butteramidopropyltrimonium Chloride lacks CIR review and presents notable safety concerns according to EWG, warranting careful consideration for precision skincare formulations.

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