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 21carbon atoms, X stands for a (CH2)n- group and n is an integer from 1 to 6, R2and R3 inde~pendently represent an alkyl moiety with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or anhydrogen atom, Y stands for a COO- group, in cosmetic compositions,characterized in that the compound of formula (I): is prepared by reacting theoil from Theo-broma grandiflorum with an amine of the formula (II): H2N-X-NR2R3 and subsequently reation with sodium monochloroacetic acid.
