Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine)
The leading amphoteric co-surfactant — compatible with all surfactant types, excellent mildness for baby care, sensitive skin, and premium personal care.
Product Overview
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), commonly known as coco betaine, is an amphoteric surfactant produced by reacting coconut oil fatty acids with dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) followed by betainization with sodium chloroacetate. It carries both positive and negative charges depending on pH, making it compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants.
Texas-Chem supplies coco betaine as a 30% active aqueous solution in drums and totes. It is the standard co-surfactant in baby shampoos, sensitive skin cleansers, and premium personal care products where mildness is the primary formulation goal. At 2-5% in a formulation, it significantly reduces the irritation potential of anionic surfactant systems.
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 61789-40-0 |
| INCI Name | Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
| Active Content | 30% by weight (as supplied) |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid |
| pH (as supplied) | 4.5-6.5 |
| Viscosity | 50-200 cP at 25°C |
| Charge Type | Amphoteric (zwitterionic) |
| Typical Use Level | 2-5% in formulation |
| Grade | Industrial / Technical |
| Packaging | Drums, Totes |
Safety & Documentation
Coco betaine is a mild, low-hazard material. It is non-irritating at use concentrations. Avoid contact with eyes at high concentrations. Use gloves for prolonged handling of concentrated product. Review SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes coco betaine so mild?
Coco betaine is amphoteric — it carries both positive and negative charges. At skin pH (4.5-5.5), it is slightly cationic, which allows it to interact with the negatively charged skin surface and reduce the irritation caused by anionic surfactants like SLS and SLES. This charge-balancing effect is why it is the standard co-surfactant in baby care and sensitive skin products.
How much coco betaine should I use in a shampoo?
Coco betaine is typically used at 2-5% of the finished formulation alongside SLES or SLS as the primary surfactant. At 2-3%, it improves foam stability and mildness. At 4-5%, it significantly reduces irritation potential and can allow reduction of the primary anionic surfactant level.
Is coco betaine compatible with cationic conditioners?
Yes. One of the key advantages of coco betaine is its compatibility with cationic ingredients including conditioning agents (quaternary ammonium compounds), cationic polymers, and preservatives. This makes it the preferred co-surfactant in 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner formulations.
What is the difference between coco betaine and cocamide DEA?
Coco betaine is an amphoteric surfactant that primarily improves mildness and foam stability. Cocamide DEA is a non-ionic surfactant that primarily boosts foam volume and increases viscosity. They serve different functions and are often used together in personal care formulations.
Packaging Options
Key Properties
Delivery Info
Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) vs. Alternatives
Coco betaine is the leading amphoteric co-surfactant for mildness and compatibility. Here is how it compares to anionic and non-ionic alternatives.
| Attribute | Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) | SLES | Cocamide DEA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Type | Amphoteric (zwitterionic) | Anionic | Non-ionic |
| Mildness | Excellent — reduces anionic irritation | Good — milder than SLS | Good |
| Cationic Compatibility | Yes — compatible with quats | No — incompatible with cationics | Yes |
| Primary Function | Mildness + foam stabilize | Primary surfactant | Foam boost + viscosity |
| Relative Cost | Moderate–High | Low | Low–Moderate |
Industries We Supply Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) To
Baby Care & Sensitive Skin
Coco betaine is the standard co-surfactant in baby shampoos and sensitive skin cleansers produced across Texas personal care facilities.
Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) supply in Houston, TXPremium Personal Care
Used in premium shampoos, conditioning shampoos, and 2-in-1 formulations where mildness and cationic compatibility are required.
Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) supply in Dallas, TXHealthcare & Institutional
Mild coco betaine-based hand soaps are preferred in healthcare facilities and food service where frequent handwashing is required.
Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) supply in Austin, TXPet Care
Used in pet shampoos and grooming products where mildness and compatibility with conditioning agents is important.
Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) supply in San Antonio, TX