What is Behentrimonium Methosulfate (BTMS)?
Who would have thought that a chemical compound with a hard-to-pronounce name like “behentrimonium methosulfate” is a powerful hair detangler that’s easy on the scalp and gentle on the skin?
Behentrimonium methosulfate is a type of ammonium salt derived from the oil of a natural plant called Colza, aka rapeseed. It acts as a mild emulsifier and conditioning agent for hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, creams, and lotions. Even better, it doesn’t cause buildup in the hair and is non-irritating to the scalp.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate for Hair
Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a Detangling Conditioner
Even though behentrimonium methosulfate sounds “fierce,” it’s quite mild and frequently used in leave-in conditioners and detangling sprays. If you have unruly hair prone to tangles, then you know how important it is to use products that can help you work the knots out gently without causing you to rip and break your hair off.
The less trauma your hair experiences when you comb it out wet, the healthier it will be. That’s where behentrimonium methosulfate comes in. Hair conditioners that include BTMS offer improved functionality when combing wet hair, making it feel smoother and slicker.
Anti-Static Electricity Control
Behentrimonium methosulfate is a cationic surfactant (an ingredient used in fabric softeners and antimicrobial agents), and a popular ingredient in cleansing shampoos. It also works great at controlling static electricity in the hair.
To explain it in simple terms: BTMS has a positive charge and a long carbon tail, which means it’s attracted to the negative charges in your hair’s atoms. When these electrical charges come in contact with one another, they balance each other out and flatten the hair’s cuticle layers.
This action helps make behentrimonium methosulfate an effective anti-static agent.
Reduces Frizz and Protects Against Humidity
Whenever available, choose serums or leave-in conditioners that include BTMS. When your hair’s cuticles lay flat, as happens after using products with behentrimonium methosulfate, your hair appears less frizzy.
Behentrimonium methosulfate also coats the hair shafts, which helps the hair retain its natural moisture while blocking external humidity from passing through the cuticle, thus, reducing the dreaded frizzies.
Is Behentrimonium Methosulfate Dangerous?
Behentrimonium methosulfate is not known to be dangerous, but people who have known allergies to quaternary ammonium compounds should avoid using products that contain it.
Also, certain quaternary ammonium compounds can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, so if you have a history of acute chemical sensitivities, it’s recommended that you consult with a medical physician before using products that contain BTMS.