Sultaine

The term "sultaines" refers to a group of organic compounds which are chemically defined as sulfobetaines (see betaines below). Sulphobetaines are sulphur-containing substances. Due to their molecular structure, they carry both a positive and a negative charge (so-called zwitterions or inner salts).

The individual sultaines differ in the organic, non-polar radical R, usually long-chain alkyl groups.

Cosmetics: Sultaines are mainly used as zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants, for example in cleansing cosmetic products like hair shampoos, foam baths or as foaming agents.

Sultaine derivatives such as hydroxysultaines and amidopropyl hydroxysultaines are used in cosmetics in a similar way.