Oleamidopropyl betaine (inci)

Oleamide is the carboxylic acid amide of oleic acid. "Betaines" denotes a quaternary ammonium compound with three methyl groups. Betaine is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is formed as a by-product of sugar production from sugar beet molasses (Beta vulgaris, hence "betaine").

Oelamidopropyl 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), surfactant (washing-active substance), substance with cleansing effect and as foaming agent (increases the foaming effect and improves volume, structure and durability of the foam).