What Is Apricotamide Dea?
Apricotamide Dea is a mild surfactant made by reacting fatty acids from apricot kernel oil with diethanolamine. This process, called amidation, turns the natural oil into a water-friendly ingredient that helps lift away dirt and oil. Interest in plant-derived cleansers grew in the 1990s as brands looked for gentle alternatives to harsher sulfates, and Apricotamide Dea found its place thanks to the popularity of apricot oil in skin care. Today manufacturers produce it in controlled reactors where purified apricot fatty acids are blended with food-grade diethanolamine under heat, then refined to remove impurities. You will most often see it in liquid and creamy products such as facial cleansers, shower gels, shampoos, bubble baths, clay or cream masks and sometimes in moisturizing lotions that need a bit of foaming action.
Apricotamide Dea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient adds several helpful traits to a formula:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens and lifts away sweat, excess oil and product buildup without stripping the skin or hair
- Foam Boosting: It stabilizes bubbles so washes and shampoos feel rich and cushiony which improves spreadability and the overall sensory experience
- Viscosity Controlling: It thickens watery mixes allowing brands to create lush gels and creams that stay on the skin long enough to do their job
Who Can Use Apricotamide Dea
Because it is a mild plant-derived cleanser most skin types can use Apricotamide Dea, including oily, combination and normal skin. Dry or very sensitive skin usually tolerates it as well, since it does not strip the natural moisture barrier, though anyone with a known sensitivity to diethanolamine or surfactants in general should be cautious.
The ingredient comes from apricot kernel oil and contains no animal by-products, so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current research shows no specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when this ingredient is applied topically in rinse-off or leave-on products, but this is not medical advice. Expecting or nursing mothers should check with their doctor before starting any new skincare routine, just to stay on the safe side.
Apricotamide Dea does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is not considered photosensitising. It is also safe for use on color-treated hair, which is why it often appears in gentle shampoos.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Apricotamide Dea differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or a stinging feeling, more likely on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people allergic to apricot oil derivatives or diethanolamine
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, leading to temporary watering or burning
- Buildup on hair if products high in Apricotamide Dea are not rinsed thoroughly, leaving hair feeling weighed down
If any of these reactions occur stop use right away and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Apricotamide Dea starts with apricot oil but the amidation process changes the fatty acids into a water-loving surfactant that rinses clean rather than sitting on the skin. Because it is mostly used in wash-off cleansers and very small amounts in leave-on lotions it has little chance to block pores, earning it a low score of 1. Those prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without added risk, especially in rinse-off formulas.
If a formula is extremely rich or not rinsed well there is a slight chance of residue building up, yet this is uncommon. No published data links Apricotamide Dea directly to increased comedones.
Summary
Apricotamide Dea is valued for three key jobs: cleansing by lifting away grime, boosting foam so products feel cushy and controlling viscosity to give gels and creams a satisfying body. It accomplishes these tasks by acting as a gentle surfactant whose molecular structure anchors into oil while staying soluble in water, creating stable bubbles and thickening the mix at the same time.
While not as famous as coconut-derived surfactants it enjoys steady use in niche natural brands that want a plant-based alternative to sulfates. Consumers who try it often appreciate the soft feel and mildness it brings to shampoos and face washes.
Overall safety is considered high when used at typical cosmetic levels. Reports of irritation or allergy are rare but always possible with any ingredient. When testing a new product containing Apricotamide Dea apply a small amount first and watch for any reaction to stay on the safe side.