Undecylenamide Dea

What is Undecylenamide Dea?

Undecylenamide DEA is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant formed by reacting undecylenic acid—a naturally derived fatty acid from castor oil—with diethanolamine. Primarily used in rinse-off hair care formulations like shampoos and conditioners, it functions by lowering surface tension to cleanse effectively, boosting stable foam for improved sensory experience, and adjusting viscosity for better product texture. Its conditioning properties reduce static and friction on hair shafts, while the undecylenic component offers antimicrobial benefits to help balance scalp microbes. As an antistatic agent, it enhances hair smoothness and manageability during styling.

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

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
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.
Antidandruff agent
Helps reduce visible flaking and scalp discomfort by controlling the scalp environment (often via antifungal or keratolytic action) in shampoos and scalp treatments.
Antimicrobial agent
Helps limit growth of bacteria and other microbes on skin or in the formula; may be used for product protection, odor control, or targeted antimicrobial effects.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.

Benefits

Boosts rich, creamy foam in shampoos for satisfying lather.

Conditions hair to improve softness and reduce flyaways.

Supports scalp comfort with antimicrobial properties.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking antidandruff shampoos.
Those with known sensitivity to ethanolamides.
People with dry, unmanageable hair needing conditioning.
People prone to eye irritation from surfactants.
Users preferring foaming cleansers with good texture.
Individuals avoiding products with potential nitrosamine precursors.

Safety Notes

  • Generally considered safe in rinse-off products by cosmetic safety panels, with limits on concentrations.
  • Monitor for nitrosamine formation; formulations avoid nitrosating agents.

Frequently Asked Questions about Undecylenamide Dea

What is Undecylenamide DEA used for?

It serves as a surfactant, foam booster, conditioner, and antimicrobial in shampoos and hair products.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated non-comedogenic with a 0 rating, unlikely to clog pores.

Are there safety concerns?

Safe in rinse-off products per reviews, but watch for nitrosamine risks in formulations.