BTMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate)

Benefits

• Conditioning (conditioner effect)
• Detangles the hair
• Softening

Category

• Cationic surfactants
• Emulsifiers

INCI name

Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol

BTMS at a glance

• A plant-based, positively charged (cationic) emulsifier derived from rapeseed oil
• Provides outstanding slip and makes hair easy to brush out, both wet and dry
• Forms a protective film on the hair shaft without weighing it down
• Also has a softening effect and gives skin creams a luxurious, powdery feel

BTMS description

BTMS (available as BTMS-25 or BTMS-50, where the number indicates the amount of active ingredient blended with fatty alcohols) is one of the most popular ingredients for hair care. It is a cationic (positively charged) emulsifier. Since damaged hair is negatively charged, BTMS is magnetically attracted to the worn areas of the hair shaft. There, it forms an ultra-thin, silky film that seals the hair cuticle, eliminates static electricity, and provides fantastic shine and softness. Despite the word "Methosulfate" appearing in its name, BTMS is absolutely not a drying sulfate, but an extremely mild ingredient known not to irritate the skin or scalp. It is completely indispensable in solid shampoos, hair conditioners, and hair masks because it makes it easy to blend oil and water into creamy products. When used in skincare products such as lotions, it provides a unique, luxurious feel that absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or sticky.