Common Name(s): Stearamide amp,amp stearate,2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol stearate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend while keeping formulas at the right ph for stability.

Why It's Used: Amp (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol) salt of stearic acid provides soap-type emulsification at a lower, skin-compatible ph than traditional na/k stearate soaps.

How It Works: Amp forms a stearate salt (soap) providing anionic emulsification; amp counterion has a lower basicity than na/k, resulting in lower solution ph (~7-8 vs >9 for alkali soaps); more skin-compatible emulsification.

Typically Found In: Facial creams,ph-neutral emulsions,skin-compatible cleansers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Surfactant,ph adjusting

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Stearic acid from palm/soy; amp (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol) synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Milder than sodium stearate soaps; skin-compatible ph.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Fatty alcohols,humectants,emollients

Avoid Combining With: Strong acids (reversion to free stearic acid)

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Amp-based stearate soaps generate emulsion ph of ~7-8 versus the >9 ph of sodium stearate soaps; this dramatically improves skin compatibility while maintaining o/w emulsification capability; used in modern cream formulations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary