A method for producing amphocarboxylpropionate comprising initiating the reaction of methyl acrylate with 2-alkyl imidazoline in the substantial absence of water; adding from 0.3 to 2 moles of water per mole of 2-alkyl imidazoline to the reaction products after at least 1.3 moles of the methyl acrylate reacts with one mole of the 2-alkyl imidazoline, so as to form a reaction product having a molar ratio of at least 1.8:1 of methyl acrylate to imidazoline. The products of the method can be formulated in highly concentrated form and do not have the gelling problems of the prior art formulation. These products are useful and beneficial in personal care products.