Abstract: This invention relates to the use of compounds of the general formula (I): R?—CONH—X—NR2R3—R4—Y in which R1 represents an alkyl moiety containing 11 to 21 carbon atoms, X stands for a (CH2)n- group and n is an integer from 1 to 6, R2 and R3 independently represent an alkyl moiety with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an hydrogen atom, Y stands for a COO— group, in cosmetic compositions, characterized in that the compound of formula (I): is prepared by reacting the oil from Theo-broma grandiflorum with an amine of the formula (II): H2N—X—NR2R3 and subsequently reaction with sodium monochloroacetic acid.