Palm Kernelamide Dea

What is Palm Kernelamide Dea?

Palm Kernelamide DEA is a nonionic surfactant formed by reacting diethanolamine with fatty acids primarily from palm kernel oil, such as lauric and myristic acids. This creates a versatile ingredient commonly found in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and hand soaps. It works by reducing surface tension between water, oils, and dirt, allowing effective removal of impurities through micelle formation. As a foam booster, it traps air to create stable, creamy lather that enhances the cleansing experience. Its viscosity-controlling properties arise from hydrogen bonding networks that thicken formulations without compromising spreadability. In emulsifying roles, it forms protective films around oil droplets in water-based systems, preventing separation and ensuring product stability during storage and use.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-2 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.

Benefits

Delivers abundant, stable foam for a satisfying cleanse in shampoos and washes.

Increases product thickness for improved texture and easier application.

Supports even blending of ingredients to maintain consistent product quality.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily cleansing products seeking enhanced lather and feel.
Those with very sensitive skin prone to surfactant irritation.
Individuals with normal skin preferring foam-rich formulas.
Individuals allergic to palm-derived ingredients.
People formulating or using budget-friendly rinse-off cleansers.
Users concerned about potential environmental impacts of palm oil sourcing.

Safety Notes

  • Typically low concern in rinse-off products when used as directed.
  • Potential for impurity formation requires quality manufacturing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Palm Kernelamide Dea

What products contain Palm Kernelamide DEA?

Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and soaps for cleansing and foaming.

Is Palm Kernelamide DEA comedogenic?

Rated 0, unlikely to clog pores based on available data.

How does it function in formulas?

Acts as surfactant, foam booster, thickener, and emulsifier for better performance.