Sodium Sheabutteramphoacetate is a chemical compound, produced from the triglycerides of Butter Buttermilk Parkii (Shea) and derived from the fatty acids of Shea oil. 

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na (from the Latin "Natrium") and the atomic number 11. In the context of Sheabutteramphoacetate sodium, indicates the presence of a sodium salt.
• Sheabutteramphoacetate is a compound derived from shea butter, a fat extracted from shea tree nuts. It is a natural ingredient known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Sheabutteramphoacetate is created through the reaction of shea butter with an amphoacetate compound. Amphoacetates are amphoteric surfactants, which means they can work both as a surfactant and an conditioner.

The synthesis process takes place in several stages:

• Preparation. Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. The nuts are crushed, roasted and then pressed to extract the fat.
• Amphoacetation. Shea butter is introduced into a reaction procedure with an amphoteric acetic acid derivative in a process known as amphoacetation. This introduces amphoteric acetic acid groups onto shea butter, forming Sheabutteramphoacetate.
• Neutralization. Sheabutteramphoacetate is neutralized with a base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form the sodium salt,  Sodium Sheabutteramphoacetate.

It appears as  a colourless to amber liquid soluble in water, insoluble in oil.

What it is used for and where it is used

It is an amphoteric, amphoacetate surfactant, normally used as a second surfactant.

This compound works by creating a creamy foam for the scalp or skin and is compatible with anionic, non-ionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants.

It can be formulated in a very wide pH range, from 3 to 10.

Cosmetics. 

Moisturising agent, foaming agent, cleaning agent in personal care products.

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum. 

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

Textiles. Softener for textiles, fibres or leather. Antistatic agent

Typical optimal commercial product characteristics Sodium Sheabutteramphoacetate

CAS : 515861-29-7

Synonyms:

• Jarplex™ SB-AA
• Amides, Shea-Oil, N-[2-[N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-N-(Carboxymethyl)Amino]Ethyl]-, Sodium Salt
• Beautycare KT