PURPOSE: To obtain a new unsaturated fatty acid amide becoming a lyotropic liquid crystal in the presence of water at room temperature, excellent in lubrici ty, compatibility with solvents and homogeneous dispersibility in water, etc., thus useful as a base for hair or skin cosmetics, emulsifier or lubricant.

CONSTITUTION: This new compound is expressed by formula I (R is a 5-24C alkenyl such as oleoyl or elaidoyl), e.g. N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl oleamide. The compound of formula I is obtained by reaction of a compound of the formula RCOOH with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in an inert solvent or in the absence of any solvent at 100-250°C (esp. 130-220°C) to form a compound of formula II, which is then hydrolyzed in a mixed solvent of a l-6C lower alcohol, and water at 50-150°C (esp. 70-120°C).