What Is Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein?
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein comes from two main sources: fatty acids taken from plant oils and proteins extracted from peas. Chemists first break down pea protein into smaller pieces so it mixes easily with water. They then attach these protein fragments to a conditioning agent called cetearamidoethyl diethylamine and link the mix with succinic acid. The final step turns the blend into a quaternary ammonium salt, which carries a positive charge that helps it bind to hair and skin surfaces.
This ingredient began appearing in salon hair products in the early 2000s when brands searched for plant based options that could rival animal derived keratin. Its success in smoothing hair soon led to use in skin care where gentle plant proteins were already popular.
Making it starts with hydrolyzing pea protein under controlled heat and pH. The resulting peptides are reacted with cetearamidoethyl diethylamine. Succinic acid is added to join the pieces together, then the mixture is neutralized to form the final salt. The process is carried out in water which helps keep the protein fragments active.
You will most often find Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein in rinse off and leave in hair conditioners, smoothing masks, anti frizz serums, gentle shampoos, moisturizing body washes, hand creams and after shave balms that aim to soften skin.
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This plant powered ingredient offers a couple of helpful actions that improve how products work and feel.
- Antistatic: The positive charge of the quaternary ammonium salt neutralizes static electricity on hair strands which cuts down flyaways and leaves hair looking sleek and manageable.
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant nature lets it lift away light dirt and excess oil while coating hair or skin with a thin conditioning film. This keeps cleansers from feeling harsh and helps hair stay soft after washing.
Who Can Use Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
This ingredient is generally considered friendly for all skin and hair types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its mild conditioning nature means it rarely clogs pores or leaves a heavy film so even those prone to breakouts usually tolerate it well. Extremely sensitive or allergy-prone individuals should still read full product labels since reactions can stem from other formula components rather than the pea protein complex itself.
Because the protein fragments come from peas and the fatty portion is sourced from plants the ingredient fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal derivatives or by-products are used during manufacture.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is applied topically at the levels found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run any personal care routine past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin or hair more sensitive to sunlight and there is no known increase in photosensitivity. It is also non-reactive with common sunscreen agents so it can be used alongside daily SPF without concern.
The ingredient rinses away easily and does not interfere with hair color treatments or chemical relaxers, making it a versatile choice across many product categories.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein differ from one person to the next. The points below list potential side effects though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in those with compromised skin barriers
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to legumes or quaternary ammonium compounds
- Watery eyes or stinging if a concentrated product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Scalp buildup and weighed-down hair when heavy leave-in products are overused
- Interaction with certain cationic resins that may reduce styling hold
If any irritation or discomfort develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. The molecule is largely water soluble, carries a positive charge and contains very little free oil so it does not sit in pores or harden on the skin. Most formulas rinse off easily, leaving minimal residue that could block follicles. Suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
The only time pore clogging might occur is when the ingredient appears in very heavy leave-on creams paired with rich waxes or butters, in which case those companions are usually the real culprits.
Summary
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein works as a mild cleanser, antistatic agent and light conditioner. Its positive charge lets it cling to hair and skin, smoothing cuticles and neutralizing static while its small peptide segments help fill in surface irregularities. As a gentle surfactant it lifts away dirt without stripping natural moisture.
The ingredient is still a niche pick compared with long-established quats like behentrimonium chloride but it is gaining traction in clean beauty lines that prefer plant derived proteins over animal keratin.
Overall safety data are good with low irritation potential and almost no comedogenicity. That said each person’s skin is unique so it is always wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other active ingredient before full use.