An amide represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C1-C24 alkyl, etc.; B is C2-C10 alkylene, etc.; A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are C1-C6 alkylene, etc.; Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2 are ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are C1-C4 alkyl, etc., and X.sup.1 is halogen; or a salt of the amide and detergent compositions containing the amide or salt are mild to the skin or hair, provide a pleasant sensation to the skin or hair, and have excellent latherability and emulsion stability. These compounds are useful as components of various detergents and cosmetic compositions, emulsifiers, and conditioners.