Which of the following is an alkaline substance used to neutralize acids?

The correct choice, which identifies an alkaline substance used to neutralize acids, is Alkanolamines. Alkanolamines serve as buffering agents because they have the ability to both accept and donate protons, making them effective in adjusting pH levels in various cosmetic formulations. They are commonly utilized in products to maintain a balanced pH, especially in hair care and skin care formulations, ensuring they are neither too acidic nor too alkaline for optimal effectiveness.

On the other hand, Acidophilus refers to a bacterial culture commonly used in fermented foods and does not act as an alkaline neutralizer. Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain acidic properties and are not used to neutralize acids. Lastly, cationic agents are typically positively charged surfactants that tend to have conditioning properties rather than neutralizing abilities. Therefore, Alkanolamines are specifically recognized for their role in neutralizing acidity, making them the appropriate choice in this context.