Behentrimonium Methosulfate

CAS Number:

81646-13-1 (for the active ingredient)

Molecular Weight

~479.8 g/mol

Chemical / INCI Name:

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

Molecular Formula:

C26H57NO4S

Other Names:

BTMS 80, Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate, Behenyltrimethylammonium Methosulfate, C22-Trimethylammonium Methosulfate

Uses:

Behentrimonium Methosulfate (BTMS 80) is a cationic surfactant and quaternary ammonium compound specifically designed for hair and skin care applications. It is widely recognized as a natural-derived, eco-friendly alternative to traditional quats like Cetrimonium Chloride. The "80%" indicates it is typically supplied as a mixture with 20% cetearyl alcohol (or other fatty alcohols) to enhance its conditioning and emulsifying properties .

· Hair Care: The primary use is as a premium conditioning agent in rinse-off conditioners, hair masks, leave-in treatments, and shampoos. It provides exceptional detangling, antistatic properties (frizz reduction), and leaves hair feeling soft, silky, and manageable without weighing it down .

· Skin Care: Functions as an emollient and emulsifier in creams, lotions, and balms, imparting a smooth, velvety after-feel to the skin .

· Mechanism: Its cationic (positively charged) nature allows it to bind to the anionic (negatively charged) surfaces of damaged hair and skin, providing substantive conditioning and moisturizing benefits .

Origin:

BTMS 80 is a vegetable-derived, semi-synthetic compound. It is manufactured by reacting behenyl alcohol (derived from rapeseed or other vegetable oils) with dimethyl sulfate. The 80% active form is typically blended with cetearyl alcohol (also plant-derived) to create a convenient, self-emulsifying base .

What does  Behentrimonium Methosulfate 80% do in a formulation?

• Antistatic Agent: Reduces static electricity and frizz .
• Hair Conditioning Agent: Provides slip, detangling, and softness, especially effective for damaged or dry hair .
• Emulsifying Agent: Helps create stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions without the need for additional emulsifiers .
• Emollient & Skin Conditioning Agent: Softens and smooths the skin .
• Surfactant (Cationic) .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Considered safe and mild for use in cosmetics. It is significantly less irritating than traditional quats and is often used in "sulfate-free" and "natural" formulations .

· Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin and eyes at typical use concentrations (1-5%). The presence of fatty alcohols in the blend further reduces irritation potential .

· Toxicity: Low acute toxicity. Not classified as hazardous under normal use conditions .

· Regulatory Status: Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide. Compliant with COSMOS, NaTrue, and Ecocert standards for natural and organic cosmetics .

Technical profile: