Stearamide AMP is an alkanolamide, and is used in personal care cleansing compositions as a foam booster and viscosity increasing agent. In commerce it is most commonly sold as a mixture with other components, such as glycol stearate (an ester used to impart a pearlescent appearance to water-based personal cleansing compositions). It is an ampholytic surfactant useful as a thickener and opacifier. It is an efficient and versatile emulsifier that is compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. Most useful as an opacifier and stabilizer in all types of shampoos, hair creams and conditioners.