Substituting BTMS with BTAC in Conditioner Bars

Yes, Behentrimonium Chloride (BTAC) can be used as a substitute for BTMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate) in conditioner bar formulations. The product description for BTAC explicitly states it can be used in place of BTMS.

However, it is generally not recommended to use the exact same quantity of BTAC as your original recipe used for BTMS. Here's why:

• Different Recommended Usage Rates: BTMS (both 90% and 50% versions) typically has a recommended usage rate of 1-5%, while BTAC has a broader range of 0.5-10%. The optimal amount for your specific formula might differ.
• Different Active Content: BTAC has an active content of 80%. BTMS is available in different concentrations, such as 90% and 50% (which is a blend with Cetearyl Alcohol). Using the same weight might mean you are using a different amount of the active conditioning ingredient.
• Formulation Differences: BTMS 50% is often sold as a blend with Cetearyl Alcohol, which contributes to the bar's structure and conditioning properties. If your original recipe used BTMS 50%, simply replacing it with the same weight of BTAC (even considering active content) might affect the final texture and hardness of your conditioner bar, as BTAC does not contain this additional fatty alcohol.

Recommendation:

Start by using BTAC within its recommended usage range (0.5-10%) and adjust the percentage based on the desired conditioning effect and the consistency of your conditioner bar. You may need to experiment slightly to find the best amount for your specific recipe, potentially adjusting other ingredients like fatty alcohols (e.g., Cetearyl Alcohol) if your original recipe used BTMS 50%.

Always test your formulation in a small batch first.