Behentrimonium Methosulfate Introduction
Behentrimonium Methosulfate (CAS 81646-13-1), frequently abbreviated as BTMS, is a long-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt derived primarily from rapeseed oil. In personal care chemistry, it is recognized as one of the most effective conditioning agents available for hair care. BTMS typically comes commercially supplied blended with fatty alcohols (such as cetearyl alcohol) to facilitate easy handling and emulsion stabilization. It functions by adsorbing onto the negatively charged surface of damaged hair cuticles, neutralizing static electricity and smoothing the hair shaft without causing heavy buildup or greasy residue.
Beyond hair care, BTMS excels as an emulsifier in skin-conditioning creams and lotions, providing a remarkably rich, powdery, and non-tacky skin feel. Its dual ability to act as both a primary cationic surfactant and an efficient emulsion stabilizer makes it a staple for formulators designing premium rinse-off and leave-in products. Looking to upgrade your conditioning performance? Contact UET Chemical for technical material support.
| Parameter | Information |
| CAS Number | 81646-13-1 |
| EINECS Number | 279-791-1 |
| INCI Name | Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol |
| Synonyms | Docosyltrimethylammonium methosulfate; N,N,N-Trimethyl-1-docosanaminium methosulfate |
| Molecular Formula | C26H57NO4S |
| Molecular Weight | 479.80 g/mol (active component) |
| Chemical Class | Quaternary ammonium compound / Cationic surfactant |
| Mechanism of Action | Electrostatic binding to damaged keratin sites on hair fibers. |
Behentrimonium Methosulfate Specifications
Our BTMS is manufactured under controlled process parameters to ensure consistent active matter concentration, minimal unreacted raw materials, and a stable physical form.
| Test Item | Specification |
| Appearance | White to off-white flakes or pastilles |
| Active Matter Content | 78.0% – 82.0% (Standard blend with Cetearyl Alcohol) |
| Free Amine & Amine Salt | ≤ 1.5% |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
Available Documentation:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- REACH Registration Details (upon request)
- Animal Testing Free / Cruelty-Free Statements
Behentrimonium Methosulfate Applications
BTMS is widely utilized across the personal care and cosmetic sectors for high-end conditioning applications.
| Application | Typical Dosage | Function |
| Hair Conditioners & Rinses | 2.0% – 7.0% | Delivers superior detangling, wet/dry combability, and anti-static control. |
| Hair Masks & Deep Treatments | 5.0% – 10.0% | Deeply nourishes coarse or damaged hair; creates thick, rich emulsion textures. |
| Leave-In Conditioners & Serums | 1.0% – 3.0% | Provides lightweight manageability without weighing hair down. |
| Skin Conditioning Creams | 1.5% – 4.0% | Acts as a cationic emulsifier, imparting a powdery, luxurious skin feel. |
Core Formulation Advantages:
- Exceptional Detangling: Outstanding wet and dry combability performance compared to shorter-chain quats like Stearalkonium Chloride.
- Gentle on Skin and Scalp: Significantly less irritating to the skin and eyes than many traditional cationic surfactants.
- Emulsion Stability: Combines conditioning power with robust emulsifying properties, helping prevent phase separation in rich creams.
- Luxurious Skin Feel: Leaves a smooth, non-greasy, powdery residual feel on skin after rinsing.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate Storage and Stability
Proper warehouse handling ensures that the flakes remain free-flowing and prevent thermal degradation or caking.
| Condition | Requirement |
| Standard Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| Temperature | Store between 15°C and 30°C (59°F – 86°F). Avoid direct heat sources. |
| Humidity | Keep in a dry environment; seal bags tightly after partial use. |
| Light Exposure | Store in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight. |
Stability Handling Notes:
- Melting Point Precautions: BTMS flakes have a relatively low softening/melting point. Storing pallets in unventilated, high-heat warehouses during summer can cause the flakes to fuse or block together.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Keep drum liners or foil bags tightly closed to prevent atmospheric moisture absorption and subsequent caking.
- Chemical Compatibility: Highly stable under normal storage conditions across standard cosmetic pH ranges (4.0 to 8.0).
Behentrimonium Methosulfate Usage Guide
Formulating with BTMS requires proper temperature management during the emulsification phase to ensure complete dispersion.
- Oil Phase Integration: Add Behentrimonium Methosulfate flakes into the oil phase containing other fatty alcohols, oils, and emollients. Heat the mixture to approximately 75°C – 80°C until completely molten and uniform.
- Water Phase Preparation: Heat the water phase to the same temperature range (75°C – 80°C).
- Emulsification: Slowly pour the hot oil phase into the hot water phase under high shear agitation to form a stable cationic emulsion.
- Cool Down: Continue gentle agitation while cooling the batch. Add heat-sensitive ingredients (such as preservatives and fragrances) below 40°C.
| Category | Compatibility Status | Notes |
| Nonionic & Cationic Surfactants | ✅ Highly Compatible | Works synergistically with fatty alcohols (Cetearyl Alcohol) and cationic polymers. |
| Anionic Surfactants (SLS, SLES) | 🚫 Incompatible | Will form insoluble complexes and precipitate out of solution. |
| Amphoteric Surfactants (Betaines) | ✅ Compatible | Can be blended carefully in specific cream rinse architectures. |
Why Source Behentrimonium Methosulfate from UET Chemical
UET Chemical focuses on delivering uncompromised quality and regulatory traceability for formulators and brands scaling up production.
| UET Chemical Advantage | Value to B2B Buyers |
| Factory Direct Manufacturing | Eliminates middleman markups, ensuring stable bulk pricing for long-term contracts. |
| ISO 22716 GMP Certified | Guarantees stringent hygiene, traceability, and process controls during synthesis. |
| In-house QC Laboratory | Every batch undergoes active matter and purity testing before dispatch. |
| Flexible Packaging Options | 1kg foil bags for R&D trials; 25kg fiber drums for commercial manufacturing. |
| Responsive Technical Sales | 12-hour response guarantee for COA requests, pricing updates, and shipping quotes. |
Behentrimonium Methosulfate FAQ
Q1: What is the purpose of the Cetearyl Alcohol blend in commercial BTMS?
A: Pure Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a highly concentrated, sticky solid that is difficult to process and flake on its own. Blending it with fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol creates an easy-to-handle flaked product while acting as a co-emulsifier that helps build rich cream textures in hair conditioners.
Q2: Is BTMS considered safe for sensitive skin and scalp products?
A: Yes. Compared to shorter-chain quats like Behentrimonium Chloride or Cetrimonium Chloride, BTMS is notably milder and less irritating to the skin and eyes, making it a preferred choice for premium, consumer-friendly hair and skin care items.
Q3: Can BTMS be used in clear shampoos or clear liquid formulations?
A: Generally no. Because BTMS is a cationic conditioning solid typically supplied with fatty alcohols, it forms opaque emulsions or white creams. It is not designed for clear surfactant systems and will cause cloudiness or precipitation.
Q4: Is your BTMS product REACH registered for the European market?
A: Yes, UET Chemical provides REACH-compliant documentation to support clients exporting finished cosmetic formulations into the European Economic Area. Contact us for specific dossiers.
Q5: What is the standard lead time for an FCL (Full Container Load) order?
A: For standard specifications, our lead time for an FCL order is typically 10 to 15 working days following PO confirmation, depending on current production schedules and shipping line availability.
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