Targeting surfactants in shampoos

The targeting and quantification of surfactants in finished products are important and interesting analyzes to check yourself and ensure that the levels do not exceed the regulatory threshold.
Here, the team performed trials to target and quantify defined surfactants in shampoos and conditioners.


The target compounds are as follows:

Ciblage tensioactifs dans shampoing
- Cocoamidopropylbetaine or CAPB [61789-40-0], this is an amphoteric type surfactant made from a derivative of coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. It is used in order to reduce the surface tension of cosmetics and also contribute to the even distribution of the finished product during its use. It is a sulphate-free but slightly allergenic surfactant, which is why it is important to monitor the amount
CAPB
- Cocoamide MEA or CMEA [68140-00-1], a nonionic surfactant which has the same role as its neighbor CAPB but which is a generator of carcinogenic nitrosamines, which makes it dangerous for the consumer
CAPB
- The Ethylene Glycol Distearate or EGDS [627-83-8], a surfactant favoring the formation of mixtures of immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension.
It is a molecule which presents very little or no danger to the consumer.
CAPB
- Sodium Xylene Sulfanoate or SXS [1300-72-7], an anionic surfactant dissolved in water in order to increase the solubility of poorly soluble organic materials, to reduce viscosity, to limit foaming, etc.
This compound does not present a real risk for the consumer either.
CAPB
- And finally stearamidopropyl dimethylamine [7651-02-7], a cationic surfactant used as a silicone substitute in hair care products. Its role is to reduce the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the uniform distribution of the product during its use. This compound is obtained from the processing of palm oil which makes it a bio-based product.
CAPB
The targeting and quantification analyzes were carried out by UPLC / TOF-MS, each sample was analyzed in order to obtain the proportions of each of the surfactants, proportions subsequently compared with those expected.
Thanks to these analyzes, our client was able to verify the correct content of surfactants in their finished products.

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