Abstract: Compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents a C.sub.8 -C.sub.14 aliphatic radical; R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each represent H or CH.sub.3 ; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 represent cations of hydrogen, ammonium, alkyl ammonium, alkali metal, or an equivalent of alkaline earth metal; n is an integer having an average value of from 5 to 10; s and t can either be 0 or 1 but both cannot be simultaneously 0; and A represents an anionic radical such as hydroxide, halogen, sulfate, alkyl sulfate, etc. are useful as essentially non-iritating and high foaming amphoteric surface active agents for shampoo and other cosmetic applications. Preferably R is a naturally derived or synthetic alkyl group containing 10-12 carbon atoms.