The invention described herein includes a self-neutralizing amino acid-based cationic composition that contains an amino acid-based cationic ester, a nonionic amphiphile, and an anhydrous buffering agent. In an embodiment, the composition, when dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous solvent, provides a resultant solution/dispersion having a pH of greater than about 4. The amino acid-based cationic ester may be a reaction product of (i) an amino acid having a non-polar side chain, and an amine group that has been neutralized with an acid; with (ii) a long chain fatty alcohol. Also included within the scope of the invention are methods of preparing a self-neutralizing amino acid-based cationic composition, such method including combining an amino acid-based cationic ester, a nonionic amphiphile and an anhydrous buffering agent. The resulting composition is in an anhydrous solid form. Formulations containing the amino acid-based cationic ester and/or a composition that includes it, are also disclosed.