Octyldecylacylpropyl Dimethyl Tertiary Amine

Octyldecylacylpropyl Dimethyl Tertiary Amine – Branched-Chain Amphiphilic Surfactant for Hair and Skin Care

Basic Information

• Synonyms: Octyldecyl propyl dimethyl tertiary amine; Octadecylamide propyl dimethyl tertiary amine

• Molecular Formula: R–CO–NH–(CH₂)₃–N(CH₃)₂ (where R is derived from 2-octyldecanoic acid)

• Appearance: Typically supplied as a liquid or paste

• Solubility: Amphiphilic – soluble in oils and organic solvents; dispersible in water upon protonation

Overview
Octyldecylacylpropyl dimethyl tertiary amine is a synthetic amphiphilic compound belonging to the class of amidopropyl dimethylamines. It is produced by the amidation of 2‑octyldecanoic acid (a branched-chain Guerbet acid) with 3‑dimethylaminopropylamine. The branched lipophilic chain provides enhanced oil compatibility, while the tertiary amine group offers hydrophilicity and cationic character upon protonation. This unique structure makes it an effective conditioning agent, emulsifier, and antistatic agent in cosmetic and personal care formulations.

Applications

• Hair care: Shampoos, conditioners, leave‑in treatments, and hair masks – improves softness, wet and dry combability, and shine; reduces static and frizz.

• Skin care: Creams, lotions, and moisturizers – provides emollient and smoothing effects, enhances product texture.

• Emulsions: Stabilizes O/W and W/O systems, improving product consistency and stability.

• Personal care: Used in products where emulsion stabilization and skin conditioning are required.

Key Benefits

• Branched lipophilic chain provides superior oil compatibility and conditioning.

• Improves softness, manageability, and antistatic properties of hair.

• Stabilizes emulsions and enhances product texture and spreadability.

• Compatible with cationic, non‑ionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

• Mild and low irritation – suitable for sensitive skin and hair.

• Can be protonated with acids (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid) to form cationic salts, enhancing water dispersibility and substantivity.

Recommended Use
Typical usage levels range from 0.5–3% in rinse‑off products and 1–5% in leave‑on formulations. For optimal performance, incorporate into the oil phase with mild heating (50–60°C). Neutralization with acids may be required for water‑based systems.

Safety and Handling

• Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.

• Low irritation potential; well‑tolerated by skin and eyes.

• Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and acids.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for amine value, purity, and conditioning performance to ensure consistent quality.