Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one esteramine active are disclosed in which the esteramine provides conditioning, softening, and/or cleaning properties. The compositions are useful for hair care, as well as in other applications, such as cleaning compositions, fabric softening compositions, and skin care compositions. Also disclosed are esteramine compositions that comprise a synergistic mixture of at least one esteramine and mono- and di-glycerides that provides better wet and dry combing than either the esteramine or mono- and di-glycerides alone. The synergistic mixture comprises about 50% to about 90% by weight esteramines and about 10% to about 50% by weight mono- and diglycerides.

Abstract: Esterquat compositions are disclosed that comprise, based on the weight of the composition, 0% to about 70% by weight of a solvent, and about 30% to 100% by weight of a mixture comprising about 50% to about 80% by weight, based on the weight of the mixture, of esterquats and about 20% to about 50% by weight, based on the weight of the mixture, of mono- and diglycerides. The esterquat compositions can be prepared by the direct esterification of a natural oil with an alkanolamine, followed by quaternization in the presence of the solvent. The esterquat compositions can be formulated into hair care compositions that provide improved wet and dry combing properties.