What Is Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk?
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk is a specialty hair care ingredient made by linking two parts. The first part comes from cetyl and stearyl fatty acids found in vegetable oils; these are turned into cetearamidoethyl diethylamine, a positively charged, or cationic, molecule. The second part is hydrolyzed silk, meaning silk protein that has been broken down into tiny peptides. These silk peptides are further reacted with succinic acid to create succinoyl hydrolyzed silk. When the two parts are combined they form a quaternary ammonium salt, resulting in a silky, conditioning agent that easily bonds to hair.
The idea of pairing fatty amide chemistry with silk peptides took hold in the late 1990s, when formulators were looking for softer, more natural feeling alternatives to traditional conditioners like behentrimonium chloride. By attaching silk fragments to a cationic backbone, scientists found they could deliver both conditioning and a lightweight protein boost in a single step. Since then the ingredient has been refined for stability and cost, making it a common pick in premium hair products.
Production starts with plant-derived fatty acids that are converted to the amidoethyl amine. Separately silk fibroin is hydrolyzed by controlled acid or enzyme treatment then reacted with succinic anhydride. The two streams are blended under carefully managed pH and temperature, forming a creamy, water-dispersible powder or paste that is easy to add during the cool-down phase of a formulation.
You will most often see Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk in rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, hair masks, color-protecting creams, smoothing serums and anti-frizz sprays. It can also appear in two-in-one shampoo conditioners and occasional styling treatments where a soft touch and light hold are desirable.
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient offers a specific benefit that makes it popular in hair care formulations.
Hair conditioning: The cationic charge helps the ingredient cling to the negatively charged surface of hair, smoothing the cuticle and reducing static. The attached silk peptides add a soft, flexible film that boosts shine and leaves hair feeling silky without weighing it down.
Who Can Use Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
This ingredient is gentle enough for most hair and scalp types, including dry, normal and oily. It is not known to clog pores on the scalp so users prone to scalp blemishes can usually tolerate it. People with very sensitive or allergy-prone skin should still scan the full ingredient list to be sure there are no other triggers present.
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk is made with silk protein that originates from silkworm cocoons, which means it is not suitable for strict vegans. Vegetarians who avoid animal-derived ingredients may also choose to skip it for the same reason.
There is no published evidence that the ingredient is harmful when used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any hair care product past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not make skin or hair more sensitive to sunlight and there are no special sun care steps required when using products that contain it.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Scalp or skin irritation – a small number of people may feel itching or mild burning if their skin is very sensitive to cationic conditioners
- Redness or rash – rare allergic responses can show up as localized redness or small bumps
- Build-up on fine hair – overuse in leave-in products could leave very fine hair feeling coated or heavy
- Eye irritation – if the product accidentally gets into the eyes it can sting until rinsed out
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek medical advice
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk is water dispersible, carries a positive charge and lacks oily or waxy residues that typically clog pores. It mostly sits on the hair shaft then rinses away, leaving little chance to block follicles on the scalp or skin. Because of this low residue profile it is generally considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Most formulas use it at low concentrations in rinse-off or lightweight leave-in products, further reducing any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk is a cationic hair conditioner that smooths cuticles, reduces static and adds a soft silk-like sheen by depositing a thin film of fatty amide and silk peptides. The positive charge helps it bond to damaged sites on hair while the silk fragments provide lightweight reinforcement, so hair feels softer and looks glossier without heaviness.
You will mostly find it in premium conditioners, masks and serums rather than mass-market shampoos, making it a niche yet valued ingredient for formulators looking to offer a more luxurious feel.
Available safety data show a low irritation profile when used as directed. Still, skin sensitivities vary so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Silk to be sure it suits your individual needs.