3-Dimethylamino-1-propylamine
What are the aims of this patient information leaflet?
This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about your contact allergy. It tells you what a contact allergy is, what causes this allergy and what you can do about it.
What is contact allergy?
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, describes a type of inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis or contact eczema is a term used when this inflammation is caused by direct or indirect skin contact with something in your environment. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your immune system causes allergy to a very specific chemical or substance that has been in contact with the skin.
What causes your specific allergy?
Your patch tests indicate that you have a contact allergy to dimethylamino1propylamine.
What is dimethylamino1propylamine?
3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine (also known as DMPA, dimethylaminopropylamine) is an impurity in a foaming agent, cocamidopropyl betaine. 3-(Dimethylamino)-1-propylamine also has some industrial users including as a hardener of glue (epoxy resin).
What are some products that contain dimethylamino1propylamine?
Product labels may not state the ingredient 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine. Instead, the ingredients list may include cocamidopropyl betaine, which is a product derived from coconut oil. During the manufacturing of cocamidopropyl betaine, it is mixed with 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine. Please see information sheet on cocamidopropyl betaine for further information.
Some products that may contain 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine include:
- Personal care products and Cosmetics eg:
- Hair colouring products
- Shampoos
- Liquid soaps
- Fabric softeners
- In Industrial use
- Including leather and rubber processing, hardener of epoxy resins, an additive in fuels, dyes and pesticides
Remember, always check the label, these lists can never be complete and ingredients change.
Always check the ingredient listing on the product, package or package insert as these lists can never be complete and ingredients change. This is particularly important for any products purchased outside the EU where some allergens may not be banned.
Remember, always check the label, these lists can never be complete and ingredients change.
How can I manage my allergy?
This means that you should avoid putting products containing dimethylamino1propylamine onto your skin in the future.
You should avoid products that contain 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine coming into contact with your skin.
As 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine may not be listed in the ingredients in personal care products, it is recommended to avoid products containing cocamidopropyl betaine.
Self-care (what can I do?)
Always check the ingredient listing on the product, package or package insert as these lists can never be complete and ingredients change. This is particularly important for any products purchased outside the EU where some allergens may not be banned.
Created: 2020
Reviewed: 2026