Palm Kernel Diethanolamide (PKDEA): The Natural Foam Booster in Soap and Detergent Formulations

PKDEA in Modern Detergent Chemistry

Palm Kernel Diethanolamide (PKDEA), a derivative of palm kernel oil, is one of the most widely used foam boosters and viscosity enhancers in soap and detergent formulations. It is highly valued for its ability to improve lather, stabilize foam, enhance viscosity, and increase the mildness of cleaning products. These qualities have made PKDEA a core ingredient across Asia’s detergent, cosmetics, and personal care industries.

As consumer expectations evolve toward richer foam, smoother textures, and more effective cleaning performance, formulators increasingly rely on PKDEA to achieve consistent, high-quality results. Households across Asia, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines, prefer cleaning products that generate abundant, stable foam a sensory expectation deeply rooted in cultural cleaning habits. PKDEA helps manufacturers meet this demand without resorting to harsh petroleum-based additives.

From 2025 to 2035, PKDEA’s role in the detergent industry is expected to grow due to expanding hygiene awareness, rising urbanization, and Asia’s commitment to sustainable, bio-based chemical production. This positions PKDEA as an essential ingredient in both mainstream and premium detergent formulations across the region.
 

Chemical Properties and Natural Origins

PKDEA is produced through the reaction of palm kernel oil fatty acids with diethanolamine, resulting in an amide-based surfactant known for its excellent foam-boosting and stabilizing capabilities. Palm kernel oil, abundant in Southeast Asia, contains high concentrations of lauric and myristic fatty acids particularly suited to creating high-performance surfactants.

Chemically, PKDEA functions as a nonionic surfactant, giving it greater compatibility with anionic surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This compatibility leads to synergistic effects: richer lather, improved detergency, and enhanced product stability. It also supports viscosity building, which is essential for liquid soaps, dishwashing liquids, and shampoos.

Because it originates from renewable palm kernel oil, PKDEA is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to fully synthetic foam boosters. This natural origin enhances its appeal to manufacturers seeking compliance with strict sustainability and eco-labeling requirements increasingly enforced across Asian and global markets.
 

Global and Asia Market Landscape

The global demand for PKDEA is deeply anchored in Asia, where palm kernel oil production is concentrated. Indonesia and Malaysia together account for over 80% of global palm kernel oil output, securing continuous availability of raw materials for PKDEA manufacturing. As a result, Asia remains the world’s largest supplier and consumer of PKDEA-based surfactants.

In markets such as China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand, rapid urban population growth and rising income levels have accelerated demand for personal care and household cleaning products. PKDEA consumption has increased in tandem, particularly within mid-market detergent brands and value-driven personal care products aimed at mass segments.

Singapore plays a pivotal role in the distribution and downstream chemical processing of PKDEA. With its advanced chemical logistics infrastructure and proximity to palm oil–producing nations, Singapore serves as a hub for quality control, formulation R&D, and export of PKDEA to manufacturers across Southeast Asia.
 

Why PKDEA is a Superior Foam Booster

• Enhances Foam Volume and Stability
  One of PKDEA’s primary advantages is its exceptional ability to increase foam production when blended with anionic surfactants. It creates a dense, creamy foam that lasts longer, meeting consumer expectations for sensory-rich cleaning experiences across Asia’s detergent markets.

• Improves Product Viscosity and Texture
  PKDEA acts as a viscosity modifier in liquid formulations. It helps manufacturers achieve thick, consistent textures in shampoos, dishwashing liquids, and hand soaps, improving the overall user experience and perceived product quality.

• Boosts Mildness and Reduces Skin Irritation
  Compared to harsher foam boosters, PKDEA contributes to milder surfactant systems, reducing the risk of skin dryness or irritation. This benefit is valuable in personal care products and hand soaps, especially amid increased hygiene practices following the COVID-19 pandemic.
   

Applications in Liquid Detergents, Shampoos, and Soaps

• Liquid Laundry Detergents
  In liquid laundry coatings, PKDEA enhances solubility, cleaning power, and foam stability. Asian consumers typically associate foam with cleaning strength, making PKDEA critical for competitive laundry formulations in markets such as India and Indonesia.

• Shampoos and Body Wash Products
  PKDEA adds creaminess, stabilizes foam, and improves the viscosity of shampoo and body wash formulations. Its synergy with SLES creates luxurious lather that is smooth and satisfying an essential selling point in Asia’s competitive personal care sector.

• Dishwashing Liquid and Household Cleaners
  PKDEA is widely used in dishwashing liquids due to its foam-boosting effectiveness even in hard water conditions. It ensures strong grease-cutting performance while maintaining product thickness and clarity, making it a preferred ingredient in everyday household cleaners.
   

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

• Renewable Palm-Based Ingredient
  PKDEA’s primary feedstock palm kernel oil is renewable, biodegradable, and locally abundant in Asia. This makes it a strategic ingredient for manufacturers looking to reduce dependency on petrochemical-based surfactants.

• Role in Eco-Friendly Detergent Trends
  As global brands shift toward natural and sustainable formulations, PKDEA is gaining traction as a foam booster that aligns with eco-label certifications. It is increasingly used in “green detergents,” plant-based shampoos, and natural cleaning product lines.

• RSPO and Supply Chain Transparency
  With the rise of RSPO-certified palm derivatives, more manufacturers prefer traceable, responsible sourcing. Singapore-based companies are actively integrating RSPO-certified PKDEA to meet the sustainability commitments of global FMCG brands.
   

Advancements in PKDEA Production and Formulation

• High-Purity PKDEA Manufacturing
  Advances in refining and processing technologies now allow suppliers to produce high-purity PKDEA with lower impurity levels and improved stability—ideal for premium personal care products.

• Low-DEA Variants to Meet Regulations
  Regulatory agencies in Europe and parts of Asia have tightened rules around diethanolamine levels in surfactants. Manufacturers now offer low-DEA or DEA-free amide alternatives with similar foam-boosting effects, ensuring market compliance.

• Improved Performance in Hard Water
  New formulations designed for Asia’s diverse water conditions enhance PKDEA’s foam performance even in hard water regions, supporting consistent cleaning results across markets.
   

Supply Chain Strength Across Asia and Singapore

• Indonesia and Malaysia as Feedstock Leaders
  These countries dominate palm kernel oil production, ensuring continuous raw material availability for PKDEA manufacturing. Their strong oleochemical industries support regional supply chain reliability.

• Singapore as a Distribution and R&D Hub
  Singapore’s chemical ecosystem enables high-quality blending, testing, and exporting of PKDEA products. It also provides regulatory support and logistics efficiency, serving markets across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia.

• Expanding Demand in India and China
  Both countries are experiencing rapid growth in detergent and personal care demand, driving increased imports of PKDEA and accelerating domestic production capacity.
   

Market Outlook 2025–2035: Trends, Risks, and Opportunities

• Opportunities

  • Rising demand for natural surfactants

  • Growth in the personal care and home care sectors

  • Increased preference for plant-based cleaning ingredients

  • Expansion of eco-certified product lines

• Risks

  • Regulatory restrictions on diethanolamine levels

  • Market volatility in palm oil feedstock prices

  • Competition from cocoamide alternatives

• Long-Term Forecast
  Between 2025 and 2035, PKDEA is expected to grow at CAGR 4.6%, driven by Asia’s detergent demand, sustainability policies, and rising consumer preference for high-foam, mild formulations.
   

Conclusion

Palm Kernel Diethanolamide has evolved from a palm oil derivative into an indispensable ingredient powering modern soap and detergent formulations. With unmatched foam-boosting, thickening, and mildness-enhancing abilities, PKDEA is central to delivering high-performance cleaning products that meet Asia’s consumer expectations.

As manufacturers shift toward natural, plant-based, and sustainable chemical systems, PKDEA aligns perfectly with regional and global trends. Singapore’s leadership in chemical innovation and distribution further strengthens its role in ensuring stable PKDEA supply across Asia.

Looking ahead, PKDEA’s combination of natural origin, strong performance, and cost efficiency ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of detergent and cleaning product formulations through 2035 and beyond. For formulation support, sourcing assistance, or tailored PKDEA solutions for your detergent and personal care applications, you can reach our team through the Contact Us page at Detergent Chemicals Asia.
 

References

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/surfactants-market