DEA is widely used in cosmetics due to its good foaming properties, low toxicity, and minimal irritation to the eyes and skin. Besides its excellent foaming and detergency, it also softens hair, makes it easier to comb, and effectively prevents dry, cracked skin.
In industrial and household detergents, detergents are commonly found, primarily serving to thicken and stabilize foam and enhance detergency. Because detergents have excellent calcium soap dispersing ability, their addition to soap allows precipitated calcium soaps to be finely distributed in the suspension without settling.
Generally, detergents are added to spinning oils for synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon to give the fibers good bundle properties and a certain degree of softness. Adding a small amount of oleic acid diethanolamide to the oil significantly improves the fiber bundle properties. Alkyl amides also impart general lubricating and antistatic properties to the oil, as well as excellent rust-preventive effects.