BTMS

By Maria Miller

BTMS‑25 (Behentrimonium Methosulfate & Cetearyl Alcohol)

1. INCI Name

Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol

2. CAS Numbers

  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate: 81646‑13‑1
  • Cetearyl Alcohol: 67762‑27‑0
  • Fatty Alcohols (general): 8005‑44‑5

3. Raw Material Source 

  • Colza (rapeseed) oil — primary source of behenyl alcohol
  • Coconut oil and other vegetable oils — sources of cetearyl alcohol
  • All components are plant‑derived and renewable

4. Overview

BTMS‑25 is a plant‑derived conditioning emulsifier widely used in natural haircare. It combines:

  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate — a gentle, cationic conditioning agent derived from rapeseed oil
  • Cetearyl Alcohol — a fatty alcohol blend that adds slip, stability, and creaminess

Together, they create a mild, effective conditioning system that detangles, softens, and smooths hair without heaviness. BTMS‑25 is known for delivering salon‑quality conditioning while remaining biodegradable and eco‑conscious.

5. Cosmetic Functions

  • Conditioning agent
  • Detangler
  • Softening agent
  • Anti‑static agent
  • Emulsifier
  • Slip enhancer
  • Creamy texture builder

6. Mechanism of Action

BTMS‑25 works through cationic attraction:
Hair and skin carry a slight negative charge, allowing the positively charged Behentrimonium Methosulfate to bind to the surface. This creates:

  • A smoother cuticle
  • Reduced friction
  • Improved manageability
  • Long‑lasting softness
  • Reduced static and frizz

Cetearyl Alcohol enhances the conditioning effect by adding richness, glide, and stability to formulations.

7. Hair Benefits

  • Excellent detangling
  • Reduces frizz and static
  • Softens and smooths the cuticle
  • Improves manageability
  • Provides lightweight, non‑greasy conditioning
  • Enhances slip in both rinse‑off and leave‑in products

Natural Moxy's Amber Glow Conditioner Bar uses BTMS‑25 to deliver soft, smooth, beautifully manageable hair.

8. Skin Benefits

  • Enhances slip and spreadability
  • Leaves skin soft and conditioned
  • Supports stable, creamy emulsions
  • Ideal for lotions, creams, and emulsified scrubs

9. Sustainability Profile

Renewable Origin

  • Derived from rapeseed oil and plant‑based fatty alcohols
  • More eco‑friendly than petroleum‑derived quaternary conditioners

Biodegradability

  • Likely biodegradable due to its natural fatty‑alcohol backbone
  • Breaks down more readily than many synthetic quats

Environmental Considerations

  • Sustainability depends on rapeseed farming practices
  • Some crops may involve GMOs, pesticides, fertilizers, or solvent extraction
  • Refining steps (bleaching, deodorizing, hydrogenation) require energy and water

Overall, BTMS‑25 remains one of the most sustainable conditioning agents available in modern haircare.

10. Applications in Natural Moxy Formulations

Ideal for:

  • Conditioner bars
  • Rinse‑off conditioners
  • Deep treatments
  • Leave‑ins
  • Creams and lotions
  • Emulsified scrubs
  • Any formula requiring conditioning + emulsification in one ingredient

11. Safety & Regulatory Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use
  • Mild compared to many synthetic quats
  • Suitable for sensitive scalp and curly‑hair formulations
  • Globally accepted in rinse‑off and leave‑in products

12. Citations

  1. Windy Point — BTMS‑25 Product Description
  2. UL Prospector — CreamMaker CAT Technical Overview
  3. The Derm Review — Cetearyl Alcohol
  4. Medical News Today — Cetearyl Alcohol Safety
  5. ChemicalBook — Cetearyl Alcohol Properties
  6. SpecialChem — Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  7. InTheVendee — Colza Oil Uses
  8. PopSci — Vegetable Oil Sustainability
  9. Harvard SITN — GMOs & Pesticides
  10. FDA — Agricultural Biotechnology

Tags: Conditioning, Moisturizing