Surfactant
DIHYDROXYETHYL TALLOWAMINE HCL
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A hydrochloride salt of dihydroxyethyl tallowamine — a cationic surfactant with amine-class nitrosamine-formation concerns and impurity caveats.
Dihydroxyethyl tallowamine HCl (CAS 68132-78-5) is the hydrochloride of a tertiary fatty amine with two hydroxyethyl substituents. It acts as a cationic surfactant and conditioning agent. Like all tertiary ethanolamines in cosmetic chemistry (structurally similar to DEA class), it can react with nitrite-class nitrosating agents to form N-nitrosamines — a genotoxic carcinogen class. Tallow sourcing carries species-traceability implications. Ethoxylated side chains may retain ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane residuals depending on process purification. Lacks a dedicated CIR monograph; safety assessed mostly via read-across. Score sits in the lower-Moderate/orange band reflecting stacked structural concerns.
Skin benefits
- Cationic hair conditioning
- Improved solubility from HCl salt form
- Emulsion stabilization
Known concerns
- Tertiary amine — nitrosamine formation potential
- 1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide residuals possible
- Not vegan
- Limited independent safety data
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related surfactants
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.