Palmitamidopropyl betaine (inci)

Palmitamidopropyl betaine refers to a derivative of the carboxamide of palmitic acid, "betaine - also called trimethylglycine or glycine betaine", is a quaternary ammonium compound with three methyl groups, a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is formed as a by-product of sugar production from, among other things, the molasses of the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris, hence "betaine").

Palmitamidopropyl betaine is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as an antistatic agent (reduces static charges by neutralizing the electric charge on the surface, e.g. of hair), as a skin cleansing agent and as a hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume). It also acts as a foaming agent (improves the foam quality by increasing volume, structure and/or durability) and as a skin care product.