Hair Conditioning
PALMITAMINE
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Hexadecylamine — a primary fatty amine used in tiny amounts as a hair antistatic. Corrosive in concentrate and hazardous to aquatic life, so it is a minor-use ingredient only.
Palmitamine (CAS 143-27-1), also called hexadecylamine or cetylamine, is a primary aliphatic amine (C16H33-NH2). ECHA CLP harmonised classification: Skin Corr. 1B (H314), STOT SE 3 (H335), Aquatic Acute 1 and Aquatic Chronic 1 (H400/H410). In neat form it is a corrosive, irritating raw material. In cosmetics it is used only at very low concentrations in hair conditioners and some antiperspirant bases, where it contributes cationic antistatic behaviour. No published CIR monograph. Because of the environmental toxicity profile and the skin-corrosion category, its use is limited and regulated in many cleaner-beauty frameworks, and substitution with behentrimonium chloride or cetrimonium chloride is common.
Function
Skin benefits
- Cationic antistatic for hair
- Improves combability and reduces flyaways
- Used at very low levels in conditioners
Known concerns
- Primary fatty amine — skin and eye irritant in concentrated form
- ECHA CLP: skin corrosion cat 1B, aquatic chronic toxicity
- Sensitisation potential on repeated contact
- Aquatic toxicity — environmentally persistent
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related hair conditionings
Check your shelf
Find PALMITAMINE in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains PALMITAMINE and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
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.