murphyCetyl Betaine
AKA: Palmityldimethylbetaine, 1-Hexadecanaminium, N-(carboxymethyl)-N, Inner salt, (Carboxylatomethyl)hexadecyldimethylammonium, AMPHOSOL CDB, MACKAM CET, Hydroxide
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm-based fatty alcohols and dimethylaminopropionic acid, both petroleum or plant-derived sources. Synthesized through condensation reaction between the fatty alcohol and the amino acid derivative under controlled conditions.
(Carboxylatomethyl)hexadecyldimethylammonium
Formula
C20H41NO2
Mol. Weight
327.50
CAS #
693-33-4
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foam Boosting
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Dermal Absorption 1.3%
excised hairless mouse skin / in vitro diffusion cells / radiolabeled cetyl betaine 5.4 mM / 24 h (CIR 650)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off0.36–7.4%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR