Decades ago, chemists started investigating long-chain fatty acids and their derivatives for improved surfactant properties. The old-school soaps broke down dirt, but they also roughened skin and corroded equipment. Through plenty of trial, error, and spilled beakers, research teams zeroed in on undecylenic acid, a natural fatty acid from castor oil cracking. As surfactant chemistry evolved after World War II, imidazoline compounds cropped up, showing impressive gentleness and stability under harsh industrial conditions. The fusion of undecylenic acid’s unsaturation and the dual-natured amphoteric imidazoline backbone gave industry players a new tool—one that could clean tough grime yet resist breakdown in hard water and across a wide pH range. This blend kicked off decades of product improvements in personal care, agricultural adjuvants, and metalworking fluids.
This compound marries a medium-chain fatty acid to an imidazoline ring, offering unique surface-acting power. Unlike many basic soaps or detergents, it doesn’t simply foam up in water. The amphoteric nature means it adapts to acidic or alkaline environments, which gives manufacturers flexibility across different formulations. Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline shows up not just in high-end shampoos or skin cleansers but also quietly boosts cleaning agents behind factory doors. Its mildness and resilience have helped it carve out a niche where both robustness and a soft touch matter.
The physical form depends on how it’s neutralized and processed during manufacture, but most suppliers will ship it as a viscous liquid. Its faint ammoniacal odor tips off anyone familiar with amine chemistry, but it doesn’t overpower. The chemistry leans toward high solubility in water, especially after partial neutralization. On the molecular front, it carries a strong hydrophobic “tail” from undecylenic acid and an imidazoline “head” that holds both positive and negative charges based on solution pH. That amphoteric edge lets it shift roles unexpectedly, acting as a cationic surfactant in one blend and an anionic one in another. Its resistance to hard water ions stymies precipitation, helping solutions stay clear and stable even where tap water sparkles with calcium.
Chemicals destined for regulated markets come with rigorous specifications. Purity usually clears 90%, with water content capped to keep viscosity consistent. Active matter content and pH range end up splashed across safety data sheets, giving procurement folks and process engineers the confidence to load it into pumps and mixing tanks. Government rules from OSHA and Europe’s REACH program demand full labeling for hazardous traits, even if this surfactant ranks among the milder ones. Product names vary: some supplier catalogs list it simply as “undecylenic amphoteric surfactant,” while others get technical, calling it “1-[2-(undec-10-enoylamino)ethyl]-2-imidazoline” or use trade names built to stand out in crowded sales meetings.
Manufacturers take undecylenic acid and heat it with aminoethyl ethanolamine, driving a condensation reaction. Water comes off, and the intermediate cycles into an imidazoline ring. At industrial scale, getting consistent molecular weight and low levels of amine impurities takes careful control over temperature, catalyst presence, and vacuum. Afterward, neutralization tailors the amphoteric ratio, sometimes using hydrochloric acid or acetic acid. It’s not a “set-it-and-forget-it” process; operators tweak feed rates, monitor amine levels, and sample from process tanks to make sure the product won’t cause complaints down the supply chain.
The unsaturated bond in undecylenic acid remains available for future tweaks. Chemists may graft additional groups to tune foaming power, reduce irritation, or add biocidal punch. The imidazoline ring itself stands up to most routine formulation treatments, though strong oxidizers can open the cycle if handled carelessly. It’s common to see ethoxylated versions on the market, where extra ethylene oxide units dial up water solubility and shift its surfactant performance. In academic and industrial R&D labs, researchers keep chasing ways to bond the molecule to nanoparticles or functionalize it for targeted drug delivery—fields still in their infancy.
Chemistry circles love synonyms. Trade catalogues and regulatory documents cite it as “amphoteric imidazoline surfactant,” “undecylenic acid amidoethyl imidazoline,” or, in some circles, simply “UAAI.” Brand teams roll out marketable monikers, promising extra mildness or superior rinsability. Regulatory filings track it under various INCI names for cosmetics, emphasizing compliance with international norms. Different suppliers make it their own, but the base chemistry remains recognizable to anyone who’s spent a shift in a surfactant plant.
In handling, safety comes down to basic chemical logic. Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline doesn't pack the same punch as caustic cleaners, but skin and eye contact still demand gloves and goggles on the shop floor. Safety data sheets remind workers to avoid mixing with reactive chlorinated compounds and to have ventilation going, especially during the neutralization step. Long exposure to mist or vapor can irritate airway passages, so enclosed handling remains best practice, especially at bulk scale. Waste streams need checking for local discharge rules—something I learned while wrangling with wastewater permits for a cleaning formulation job in the Midwest. Facilities rely on regular training, quick-read signage, and robust emergency response to ensure safe operations without slowing down productivity.
Personal care circles prize its skin compatibility and ability to work with other surfactants, making those mild “clean-rinse” shampoos and gentle body washes stand out on retail shelves. Industrial users load it into metalworking fluids, where foam control and corrosion resistance take priority. Ag chem formulators reach for it in adjuvants, letting leaf sprays stick better and penetrate pest shells more thoroughly. Textile plants, water treatment outfits, even oilfield service providers rely on its resilience under pressure and shifting water quality. In all these settings, formulators find a balance between cost, performance, and environmental footprint, knowing the chemistry will slot in without throwing off their complex blends.
Research keeps pushing boundaries. Universities investigate biodegradable variants, reducing run-off risk into groundwater. Start-ups target “green chemistry” benchmarks, seeking plant-based feedstocks instead of petrochemical precursors. Cosmetic labs experiment to cut irritancy further for hyper-sensitive skin. In pharmaceutical circles, anti-fungal properties of undecylenic acid drive studies into topical treatments, boosted by amphoteric solubility for stubborn infections. Labs battle with analytical hurdles, like teasing apart product mixtures using chromatography, and large producers build in-line monitors to catch small variations before a truckload gets rejected. Teams share their successes at conferences and keep working in the hope of better yields, greater purity, and lower process energy demand.
Toxicologists check short- and long-term exposure impacts for both workers and end users. In animal studies, the compound tends to clear out rapidly, showing low bioaccumulation potential. Skin patch tests and ocular studies usually report mild, reversible irritation at high doses, but rare allergic responses crop up among sensitive users. Environmental research follows up on aquatic toxicity, pushing for discharge controls when blends reach wastewater. Regulators in Europe and North America tag it lower risk compared to most industrial surfactants, given responsible handling. Responsible companies now send samples out for independent review, aiming for industry certifications to signal product safety.
Market forces keep pulling this molecule into new territory. Makers of eco-friendly cleaning agents see biological production routes as a way to cut their carbon footprint and reach a premium customer base. As water scarcity and industrial regulation tighten, low-foam, easily biodegradable surfactants will keep growing. Collaboration between big industrials, academics, and consumer brands will matter—nobody fixes performance, cost, and sustainability alone. Younger chemists growing up with tighter regulations and lower tolerance for workplace risk will keep redesigning manufacturing to produce consistent, safe, and compliant batches. Increasing transparency along supply chains, from raw castor beans to final formulation, gives customers confidence and sets up the whole sector for long-term resilience under shifting environmental and regulatory pressures.
Some ingredients make a quiet, steady difference behind the scenes in products most people use every day. Undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline fits this bill. Common in shampoos, cleansers, and a few specialty industrial applications, this ingredient blends the properties of a gentle surfactant with a unique ability to fight both grease and microbes. My experience with such compounds tells me there's usually a practical origin—science solves a real-world need. In this case, it supports both personal care and industry in ways most folks don’t see but would miss if gone.
Right up front, its surfactant properties matter. Surfactants help oil and water mix, lift dirt, and make textures pleasant. Most consumers don’t grab a shampoo bottle and think about surface chemistry, but the luxurious foam and the ease with which grime comes off? That’s because of compounds like this. In personal hygiene products, it does double duty: cleaning skin or hair and gently keeping oils in balance. Sensitive scalps or skin can react to harsh surfactants, making amphoteric imidazolines an attractive alternative. Dermatology groups and peer-reviewed studies have explored these gentler cleansers as options for people suffering from eczema, psoriasis, or other irritated-skin conditions.
Another job this chemical handles is keeping products fresher longer. Undecylenic acid itself is known for antifungal and antimicrobial qualities. Traditional soaps or shampoos without strong preservatives often go bad quickly, especially if left in humid bathrooms. This imidazoline ingredient leverages its antimicrobial backbone, discouraging the growth of unwanted bacteria or fungi in both the bottle and on the surfaces it touches. This helps both manufacturers and consumers feel confident in longer shelf lives and less waste.
Many people know fungus as a nuisance—athlete’s foot, dandruff, and ringworm all involve fungal agents. Undecylenic acid’s background in medical antifungals means manufacturers tap these abilities for products targeting scalp or skin issues, even if most don’t realize what sits in their bottle or tube. Factories dealing with microbial contamination also use custom-formulated cleaners containing this ingredient because of this action.
Industrial users have leaned on amphoteric imidazolines because they work under a range of conditions—hard water, high pH, or contact with metals. Some older surfactants struggle in these spots and can make a mess or leave residue. This compound, with its balanced chemical structure, keeps performance high and lessens headaches for line workers who already juggle issues like pH swings or mineral contamination.
Surfactants, especially with antimicrobial activity, can find themselves in the environmental spotlight. Regulations grow tighter, and rightly so. Over time, high concentrations in wastewater can cause concern for aquatic ecosystems. According to reports from the European Chemicals Agency and EPA, newer amphoteric imidazolines degrade more completely than old-school quats or phosphates. They strike a middle ground between powerful cleaning and reduced long-term worry for rivers and streams.
Some customers push for products with fewer mysterious ingredients. Brands now compete on clarity and safety, so suppliers work hard to explain what goes into bottles. Consumer advocates encourage clearer labeling and alternatives where possible. Academic groups run tests on toxicity and allergens, and this ongoing research helps keep regulatory bodies and buyers informed.
For daily use, choosing a product with a well-understood surfactant like undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline can offer the balance of clean skin and responsible environmental handling. Those with skin concerns or allergies would do well to keep an eye on ingredient lists and stay informed by recent studies reflecting on both safety and biodegradation.
Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline draws attention because it combines the antifungal strength of undecylenic acid with the gentle cleansing from imidazoline derivatives. Brands use it in shampoos and skin cleansers, hoping to produce mild, non-stripping products. This synergy means you often find it in formulas for sensitive or oily skin and for people struggling with scalp issues like dandruff or fungal breakouts.
People want proof before trusting new skincare additives close to their face or scalp. Undecylenic acid itself—sourced from castor oil—gets recognized for its antifungal properties and appears in over-the-counter athlete’s foot and ringworm treatments. Research from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has looked at its tolerability across different populations. Dermatologists have found low risk for irritation, as long as the percentage stays within industry norms (usually under 1% in leave-on formulas and 2-5% in rinse-off products).
Amphoteric imidazolines show up often in cleansing products for a good reason—they help create creamy foam and reduce the harshness of sulfates. Studies referenced by the Personal Care Products Council show these molecules rarely trigger allergic reactions. I've seen people with sensitive skin using cleansers with imidazoline-based surfactants and reporting fewer incidents of dryness and redness, especially compared to harsh soaps.
Not all surfactants offer antifungal benefits. The unique structure of Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline means it doesn’t just clean; it helps fight microbial growth on skin and scalp. Fungal overgrowth, like Malassezia, fuels dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The ingredient’s role goes beyond regular cleansing, giving brands a legitimate reason to include it in dandruff shampoos and facial washes targeting fungal acne.
As someone who sees trends in scalp care, formulas containing this ingredient often appeal to people who’ve tried standard clarifying shampoos without success. Regular options may strip hair oils or inflame skin, but this amphoteric molecule washes away surface build-up while leaving the skin barrier happier.
Not everyone will react the same way. People with very compromised or allergic skin need to check for added fragrances or preservatives, since most irritation comes from those extras, not from the imidazoline or undecylenic acid itself. If you’ve had reactions, patch-test before committing. A tiny drop behind the ear, left for 24 hours, gives a real-world check for sensitivity.
Transparency needs support from brands. Detailed ingredient lists and published safety data make a difference. If the product comes from a reputable manufacturer with dermatological testing behind it, the risk drops even further. Clean beauty advocates push for this open communication—knowing the concentration and the results of patch tests or clinical trials builds trust for buyers and professionals alike.
Research improves every year, and cosmetic chemists look for milder, more targeted cleansing options. Formulators use Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline as a compromise between gentle and effective—a response to complaints about dryness, irritation, and persistent scalp issues. Anyone formulating for sensitive or problem-prone skin benefits from adding this molecule in a balanced way, watching the concentration and avoiding problematic side ingredients.
Anyone who has worked in personal care or household cleaning formulations knows the constant search for ingredients that do more than fill a line on the label. Undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline brings in actual benefits that solve practical formulation problems. Working with surfactants over the years, I’ve seen ingredients come and go, but this one stands out for several reasons.
Some surfactants strip skin and hair, leaving dryness and irritation. Undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline manages to keep a formula mild, which goes a long way for leave-on or daily use products. Dermatological tests show that this molecule reduces irritation scores—something customers feel and mention. People with sensitive skin respond favorably to products containing it, and switching to a milder surfactant can reduce complaints, product returns, and negative reviews.
Brands lean on preservatives to keep products safe. Undecylenic acid’s roots go back to antifungal and antimicrobial uses. A 2022 journal in the *International Journal of Cosmetic Science* found it suppresses the growth of yeasts and some bacteria better than classic amphoteric surfactants. Companies formulating rinses, deodorants, and hand soaps benefit here—customers notice when products deliver on promises to tackle odor or fungal growth without harsh chemicals.
Water quality varies. Some regions deal with minerals that kill lather and cleaning performance. With undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline, foam remains stable and rich, regardless of hardness. I’ve tested it firsthand: hard tap water doesn’t collapse the foam or leave behind scum, which means shoppers keep that “clean” feel they expect in the shower or at the sink.
Pressure grows to do more with fewer ingredients, both to meet retailer requirements and simplify label complexity. This ingredient works as an emollient, cleansing agent, and booster for preservative systems. Lab testing confirms it enhances the activity of common preservatives, so developers can lower concentrations of other chemicals. Cleaner labels and safer products build consumer trust and help brands stand out in crowded segments.
Concerns about microplastics, persistent chemicals, and aquatic toxicity make formulators hesitate with “old school” surfactants. Data from the European Chemicals Agency supports that undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline biodegrades more efficiently than many traditional amphoteric agents. Working with eco-minded brands, I’ve watched this ingredient help secure favorable scores in retailer sustainability programs. The lower aquatic toxicity also means less worry about harmful run-off.
Cost remains a barrier for some small brands, and mainstream adoption depends on price coming down as supply meets demand. Education and clear labeling are still lacking, which slows customer acceptance. Collaboration between raw material suppliers and finished product brands will help build knowledge through transparent case studies and ingredient traceability reports.
Brands benefit from conducting their own customer patch tests and sharing real-world performance data. Trade groups and consumer advocates can promote research on biodegradation and mildness. Formulators can work with suppliers who invest in transparent supply chains. These steps help create safe, effective, and sustainable products everyone can trust—and that, in my experience, is what truly builds loyalty in a noisy marketplace.
Anyone working hands-on with specialty chemicals knows how much difference proper storage makes. Take Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline, a compound that often finds its way into cleaning agents and personal care products. Handling this ingredient, small missteps can create bigger issues down the production line. I’ve watched a full batch of surfactant degrade after careless storage: the odor turned, the texture shifted—a hard lesson for everyone on shift.
This compound won’t tolerate wild swings in temperature. Storing containers at room temperature—between 15°C and 25°C—prevents breakdown of its zwitterionic structure. The molecule can hold up at colder temperatures but storing it somewhere too cold leads to separation or even solidification over time. Leaving drums in bay areas close to heat sources, or under direct sunlight, causes outcomes like yellowing, increased viscosity, or cloudy appearance—parents of lost money and wasted material.
Any chemical with an amphoteric character reacts if exposed to air or water. I’ve seen open drums wick in humid air, changing the pH and leading to destabilization. Employees rushing in a hot plant sometimes leave tanks open. To this day, I stress triple-checking that all storage lids are properly sealed with watertight gaskets. Adding a desiccant pack or keeping unused portions in an inert atmosphere—like a nitrogen-blanketed drum—protects the compound from both oxygen and moisture. That step alone preserves shelf life much longer than relying on an old warehouse with damp corners.
Plastics seem like a good choice for storing amphoteric surfactants, but I’ve watched raw material eat through poor-quality containers or leach in plasticizers, compromising formulation performance. Stainless steel or high-grade HDPE (high-density polyethylene) containers stop unwanted side reactions. Portable tanks or drums should always carry a clear label of contents and the date received. Cross-contamination, as I’ve painfully experienced, can start with a single reused pail.
Any chemical getting stored in bulk deserves a clear system for spill containment, accessible safety data sheets, and eyewash stations nearby. Even though Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline has a better hazard profile than many industrial reagents, splashes can still irritate eyes and skin. I’ve watched experienced techs ignore gloves in a rush, only to end their day at urgent care. Labeling each drum with hazards and batch numbers reduces confusion and keeps everyone safer, especially when working shift patterns and new hands rotate through.
Auditing storage every six months prevents unpleasant surprises. Using a process log, tracking temperature and humidity where chemicals rest, and inspecting seals and containers helps catch problems before they spread. Moving older material forward and using it up first—standard “first-in, first-out” practice—reduces waste and preserves quality.
From forgotten barrels that curdle to pristine batches that last, the difference usually comes down to care and attention in storage. With some extra planning, Undecylenic Acid Amphoteric Imidazoline can keep its value, keeping both production goals and safety targets in reach.
Anyone who’s worked in product formulation, especially with personal care or industrial cleaners, knows that picking the right surfactant and sticking to a safe, effective dose makes all the difference. Undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline sounds technical, but it lands on the bench for its unique mix of cleansing, mildness, and antimicrobial properties. The question everyone asks at the start: How much should actually go into a product for things to work but not go off the rails?
Most ingredient suppliers, supported by dermal tolerance testing and industry best practices, suggest a usage range between 1% and 4% by weight in finished formulations. I’ve noticed formulators often hover around 2% for leave-on products and drift towards the higher end when working with rinse-off cleansers. This isn’t random guessing but tracks with established safety assessments published by ingredient review panels and in-house safety teams across the industry. Push much past 4%, and people start reporting dryness or, rarely, signs of irritation. Drop below 1%, and performance, especially antimicrobial power, drops out.
At 1%–4%, this ingredient does its job without causing headaches. In shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, and industrial hand cleaners, this surfactant blends well, adds mild antimicrobial support, and tends to pair nicely with other anionic or nonionic surfactants. I’ve worked on scaling up batches both for household and hospital settings and seen consistent results within this range. Go lower, and stubborn dirt or residue lingers. Jump higher, and the risk tilts toward skin barrier disruption—something anyone with sensitive skin can spot after one use.
Personal experience with feedback loops between QA teams and customer complaints has taught me: irritation signals show up fastest in sample groups with concentrations above the top recommended limit. The original suppliers—backed by FDA reporting and European SCCS opinions—back up these lived experiences with toxicology data, not just anecdotes in the lab.
It’s tempting to chase maximum cleaning because more surfactant usually means faster removal of grease, bacteria, or buildup. The trick comes in resisting that urge and respecting the documented range. Formulators who start at 2% and run a sensory panel or simple patch tests pick up fewer problems in field tests. With undecylenic acid amphoteric imidazoline, best results tend to align with the sweet spot: strong enough to do the job, gentle enough to minimize calls to customer support.
For companies working with regulatory agencies or exporting abroad, respecting the 1–4% range isn’t just about consumer skin—it’s about keeping clear with manufacturing audits. Ingredient disclosures and MSDS files flag this compound at higher levels, and usage above the recommended mark brings questions from auditors or third-party certification bodies. Sticking to this band streamlines regulatory review. Plus, it makes scale-up easier because fewer end users log issues.
The easiest way to dodge most pitfalls is to consult the supplier’s technical data sheet and cross-check with current regulatory updates. As new research on skin compatibility rolls in, especially for leave-on products, labs run updated irritation testing. Sticking close to the proven range means fewer last-minute reformulations—something every formulator wants to avoid.
In settings where vulnerable users—like children, healthcare workers, or those with dermatitis—depend on mildness, tighter control of dosing matters even more. Responsible product developers talk directly with raw material experts and reference global regulatory bodies before finalizing concentrations, which helps balance innovation with safety. Direct conversations often reveal field experiences faster than any spreadsheet.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-[2-(Undec-10-enoylamino)ethyl]imidazolidin-1-ium-2-olate |
| Other names |
Undecylenamidopropyl Betaine Undecylenic Acid Imidazoline 1-(Carboxymethyl)-1-(undec-10-enoylamino)propyl)dimethylammonium hydroxide Undecylenic Acid Derived Imidazoline Betaine |
| Pronunciation | /ˌʌnˌdɛsɪˈlɛnɪk ˌæsɪd æmˈfɒtərɪk ɪˌmɪdəˈzoʊliːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 67762-38-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1440662 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:132554 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL156181 |
| ChemSpider | 25989186 |
| DrugBank | DB13851 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119980533-46-0000 |
| EC Number | 305-534-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 827909 |
| KEGG | C11355 |
| MeSH | D020875 |
| PubChem CID | 13137 |
| RTECS number | YO8400000 |
| UNII | 663J9T8HVW |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID4057594 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C17H32N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 356.6 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow liquid |
| Odor | characteristic |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | soluble in water |
| log P | 2.92 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 6.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.5 ~ 6.5 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.72×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4950 |
| Viscosity | 300~600 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 2.97 D |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE14 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H318: Causes serious eye damage. |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 227°C (441°F) |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >2000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 3 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Capryloyl Glycine Cocoyl Glycine Undecylenoyl Glycine Lauroyl Sarcosine Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
