Emulsifiers
At She’s Fearless, we believe in full transparency. Some of our conditioners and treatments include BTMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate). Although the name sounds intimidating, it is not a sulfate and is considered one of the gentlest conditioning agents available.
For clarity, you will always see it listed by its full INCI name on our ingredient labels:
• BTMS-25 → Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol
• BTMS-50 → Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol
We share this information openly so you know exactly what you’re using. If you have sensitivities or allergies, please review our ingredient lists carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
What Are Emulsifiers?
In hair and skin care, water and oils naturally want to stay separated like salad dressing when it sits. An emulsifier is the bridge that binds them together, creating a smooth, even mixture. This is what makes a conditioner creamy or a lotion silky, instead of watery on one side and oily on the other.
At She’s Fearless, we use gentle, plant-derived emulsifiers such as BTMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate). Beyond simply holding water and oil together, BTMS also conditions the hair, adds slip, and makes detangling easier.
What is Cetyl Alcohol?
- CO-EMULSIFIER
- THICKENER
- EMOLLIENT
- VISCOSITY ENHANCER
Cetyl alcohol is a naturally-derived fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, co-emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic formulation. Derived from palmitic acid and vegetable triglycerides, cetyl alcohol enhances the viscosity of formulas, creating richer and more decadent products with a soft and smooth finish.
Benefits of cetyl alcohol for skin and hair care
Cetyl alcohol has a wide range of uses, making it a great functional ingredient to include in your formulations. It not only stabilises emulsions, but it adds body and texture that helps moisturizers with lower percentages of oil to still feel luxurious. In anhydrous products, it can significantly reduce tackiness and heaviness that can often be associated with oil-based moisturizers.
What is Cetearyl Alcohol?
- CO-EMULSIFIER
- THICKENER
- EMOLLIENT
- VISCOSITY ENHANCER
Cetearyl alcohol mainly functions as a co-emulsifier, thickener and/or emollient in cosmetic formulations. It is part of a group of ‘fatty alcohols’ that are derived from synthesising natural components, in this case stearic acid and palmitic acid (found in oils and butters) and vegetable triglycerides. Please note: fatty alcohols such as cetearyl or cetyl alcohol are emollients that do not dry out the skin or have astringent properties like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
Benefits of cetearyl alcohol for skin and hair care
Cetearyl alcohol is a multifunctional ingredient that improves the feel, performance and stability of products. For skincare products, the addition of cetearyl alcohol makes luxurious, rich formulas, reducing potential stickiness from oil and butters and creating smooth, light, moisturizers. In haircare, cetearyl alcohol is an important ingredient for increasing spreadability and slip which allows products to glide through hair.
What is BTMS ?
btms is a plant-based substance. It's an emulsifying wax made from Colza or Rapeseed oil that's naturally generated. BTMS-25 or BTMS-50 are alternate names for behentrimonium methosulfate.
All these emulsifiers are completely vegan. When used it creates a very fine coating on the skin and hair. At She'sFearless we care and use SAFE , PLANT DERIVED , and ORGANIC ingredients only.