Emulsifying Wax
Conditioning Emulsifier
RSPO Certified
BTMS-50
Conditioning Emulsifier Wax
CAS 81646-13-1 · EINECS 279-791-1 · Cationic Emulsifier · RSPO Certified
$8.99
/ 8 oz · $1.12/oz
Select size
Qty
1
48–52%
Active content
0.5–10%
Use level
80°C
Melt temp
24 mo
Shelf life
About this ingredient
BTMS-50 is a widely used cationic conditioning emulsifier supplied as small white to off-white waxy pastilles. It contains approximately 50% active behentrimonium methosulfate combined with cetyl alcohol, enabling stable oil-in-water emulsions while delivering outstanding conditioning, detangling, and anti-static benefits in both hair and skin care formulations.
Derived from RSPO certified sustainable palm oil.
INCI & classification
| Component | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Behentrimonium Methosulfate | 81646-13-1 | Cationic conditioning emulsifier |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 36653-82-4 | Emollient, viscosity builder |
| 1,3-Butylene Glycol | 107-88-0 | Humectant, solvent |
Core benefits
Stable emulsificationSuperior detangling
Reduces static & frizzHair conditioning
Silky skin feelMoisturizing film
Cationic — substantive to hairImproved combability
RSPO certifiedWorks cold process
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white flake/pellet |
| Odour | Characteristic |
| Active content | 48–52% |
| pH (1% in 1:1 water/IPA) | 6.0–9.0 |
| Charge type | Cationic |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot water and alcohol |
| Source | RSPO certified sustainable palm |
| Storage | Room temperature · sealed · away from light |
| Shelf life | 24 months |
Recommended usage
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Hair conditioners and masks | 2–5% |
| Leave-in conditioners and detanglers | 1–3% |
| Lotions and creams | 2–6% |
| Styling products | 1–5% |
| Cleansing systems and shampoos | 0.5–3% |
| General use range | 0.5–10% |
Formulation tips
- Add to the heated oil phase — melt completely at minimum 80°C (176°F) before combining phases
- Cationic charge — do not combine with anionic surfactants as this will cause precipitation
- Compatible with nonionic and other cationic ingredients
- Creates stable, elegant emulsions without the need for additional emulsifying wax
- In hair care, its cationic nature provides substantivity — deposits on the hair shaft for lasting conditioning
- Store sealed at room temperature away from light and heat
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
$8.99
/ 8 oz · $1.12/oz
Select size
Qty
1
Cationic emulsifier — substantive to hair for lasting conditioning
RSPO certified sustainable palm · 48–52% active content
Superior detangling · reduces static · silky skin feel
Quick specs
INCI nameBehentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol
CAS81646-13-1 / 36653-82-4
AppearanceWhite to off-white pellet
Active content48–52%
pH (1% solution)6.0–9.0
Charge typeCationic
Melt temperatureMin. 80°C (176°F)
Use level0.5–10%
Shelf life24 months
Cosmetic Grade
RSPO Certified
Cationic
Common cosmetic formulation uses
BTMS-50 (INCI: Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol) is a cationic conditioning emulsifier used to create stable emulsions in hair and skin care formulations while delivering superior detangling, anti-static, and conditioning benefits.
- Primary emulsifier in hair conditioners and masks (2–5%)
- Leave-in conditioners and detanglers (1–3%)
- Lotions and creams — stable oil-in-water emulsions (2–6%)
- Cationic charge — substantive to hair for lasting conditioning
- Reduces static electricity and frizz in hair formulations
- Superior wet and dry combability
- RSPO certified sustainable palm · 48–52% active content
- Do NOT combine with anionic surfactants
Product FAQ
| What is BTMS-50 used for?Used as a cationic conditioning emulsifier to create stable emulsions in hair conditioners, lotions, and creams while providing detangling and anti-static benefits. |
| What is the difference between BTMS-25 and BTMS-50?BTMS-50 contains approximately 50% active behentrimonium methosulfate vs ~25% in BTMS-25, providing stronger conditioning and emulsification at the same usage level. |
| Can it be used with anionic surfactants?No — cationic and anionic ingredients will react causing precipitation. Compatible with nonionic and other cationic ingredients only. |
| What percentage should be used?0.5–10% general range; 2–5% in hair conditioners; 1–3% in leave-ins; 2–6% in lotions and creams. |
| How should it be incorporated?Add to the heated oil phase and melt completely at a minimum of 80°C (176°F) before combining with the water phase. |
Formulator note
Note: Cationic emulsifier — do not combine with anionic surfactants. Melt completely at minimum 80°C before combining phases. Substantive to hair — deposits on the hair shaft for lasting conditioning benefits. Store sealed at room temperature away from light and heat.
