The invention relates to a new use of cationic surfactants derived from the condensation of fatty acids and esterified dibasic amino acids, according to the following formula: where: X&minus； is Br&minus；, Cl&minus；, or HSO4&minus；. R1: is linear alkyl chain from a saturated fatty acid, or hydroxyacid from 8 to 14 atoms of carbon bonded to the &alpha；-amino acid group through amidic bond. R2: is a lineal or branched alkyl chain from 1 to 18 carbon atoms or aromatic, and R3: is: and n can be from 0 to 4. This class of compounds turned out to be highly suitable for use as preservatives in cosmetic or dermatological preparations. A particularly suitable compound is the ethyl ester of the lauramide of arginine hydrochloride (LAE).
