INCI Name : Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CAS Number : 61789-40-0
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a coconut oil-derived surfactant widely used in personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, body washes, cleansers, and mouthwashes. It functions as a foam enhancer and consists of a mix of fatty acids from coconut oil and propylene glycol. CAPB is valued for its ability to cleanse the skin and hair by effectively removing oils. Being gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), it is often chosen for milder formulations.
Purpose
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a surfactant and foam booster widely used in personal care products. It cleanses by breaking down oils and dirt, while also enhancing foam for a rich lather. Gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), CAPB is ideal for sensitive skin formulations. Additionally, it conditions the skin and hair, leaving them soft and hydrated, and stabilizes product consistency, making it a versatile ingredient in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers.
Origin
Cocamidopropyl betaine is manufactured through a two-step process. In the first step, dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) reacts with fatty acids derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, where the primary amine in DMAPA selectively forms an amide bond. In the second step, chloroacetic acid reacts with the tertiary amine, resulting in the formation of a quaternary ammonium center.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Type | Surfactant, amphoteric surfactant |
| Source | Derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine |
| Function | Boosts foam and provides mild cleansing in personal care products |
| Solubility | Soluble in water.Slightly less soluble in oils |
| Odor | Slight fatty |
| Color | Colorless to pale yellow |
| Physical state | Liquid |
| Boiling point | >100°C |
| Viscosity | <100 cP at 30°C |
| PH | 4 – 6 |
| HLB value | 13.4 |
| Concentration | between 1% and 40% |
| Chemical properties | An amphoteric surfactant that acts as anionic or cationic, with a quaternary ammonium group |
What is the role of cocamidopropyl betaine in a formulation?
Cocamidopropyl betaine plays multiple key roles in formulations:
Antistatic: Minimizes static electricity, making it ideal for hair care products to reduce flyaways and enhance manageability.
Cleansing: Serves as a surfactant, effectively removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair.
Foam Boosting: Enhances foam production and stability, creating a rich, luxurious lather in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers.
Hair Conditioning: Improves hair texture by softening and smoothing, making it easier to detangle and style.
Surfactant: Reduces surface tension to enable the mixing of oil and water, ensuring effective cleansing.
Viscosity Control: Adjusts product thickness, enhancing texture and overall user experience.
Mild and Non-irritating
Unlike many other surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine is mild and non-irritating, making it suitable for use in formulations for sensitive or easily irritated skin. Its gentle nature ensures that it does not disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, and it is often used in baby care products, facial cleansers, and products designed for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Moisturizing Effect
In addition to its conditioning effects on hair, cocamidopropyl betaine can help to maintain moisture balance in the skin. It is commonly found in formulations for moisturizing cleansers or body washes because it cleanses without over-drying, retaining skin’s natural oils while offering a refreshing cleanse.
Eco-friendly and Biodegradable
Cocamidopropyl betaine is derived from renewable resources, typically coconut oil, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to some petrochemical-derived surfactants. Additionally, it is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally in the environment, making it a preferred choice in eco-conscious formulations.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effects
Some studies suggest that cocamidopropyl betaine exhibits mild antimicrobial and antifungal properties. While it’s not a primary active ingredient for these purposes, it may offer an additional benefit in formulations aimed at skin hygiene, acne care, or dandruff treatment.
Compatibility with Other Ingredients
Cocamidopropyl betaine is highly compatible with a wide range of other ingredients, including natural oils, botanical extracts, and other surfactants. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-functional formulations where different active ingredients need to work together seamlessly. Its versatility also allows it to enhance the overall performance of the product while maintaining stability.
Skin Barrier Protection
While cocamidopropyl betaine cleanses, it does not strip away the skin’s natural oils. This preserves the skin’s protective barrier, which is essential for preventing dehydration and irritation. As a result, it contributes to maintaining the skin’s health, making it suitable for use in products designed for dry, flaky, or compromised skin.
Support for Sensitive Scalps
In hair care products, cocamidopropyl betaine is gentle enough for use on sensitive scalps. It helps prevent irritation that can be caused by harsher surfactants, making it an ideal choice for individuals with scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. It cleans effectively without causing dryness or further irritation.
Non-toxic and Safe for Regular Use
Cocamidopropyl betaine is considered to be non-toxic and safe for regular use in personal care products. It has a low risk of causing allergic reactions compared to some other surfactants, making it suitable for all age groups, including children and the elderly.
Water Softening Effect
In hard water areas, cocamidopropyl betaine can help reduce the negative effects of mineral build-up that typically occurs with other surfactants. It works by softening water, allowing the surfactant to work more efficiently, creating better lather and preventing mineral deposits from adhering to the skin or hair.
Enhanced Skin Feel
Products formulated with cocamidopropyl betaine often feel softer and more luxurious upon application. It imparts a smooth, silky feel to the skin and hair, improving the tactile experience and ensuring that products not only clean effectively but also enhance the user’s comfort.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Derived from renewable resources like coconut oil, cocamidopropyl betaine is often sourced from sustainable farming practices, making it a more ethical choice compared to synthetic alternatives. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced ingredients in beauty and personal care products.
Applications of cocamidopropyl betaine
Skin Care
Cocamidopropyl betaine is widely used in personal care products like cleansers, soaps, and body washes due to its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. As a mild surfactant, it lifts dirt, oils, and impurities from the skin without stripping natural moisture, making it ideal for sensitive skin formulations. It is often found in facial cleansers, body scrubs, and cleansing wipes, where it enhances the formulation’s foaming ability, providing a rich, creamy lather. It also functions as a conditioning agent in moisturizers and lotions, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated after use.
Hair Care
In addition to its use in shampoos and conditioners, cocamidopropyl betaine is also found in hair masks, leave-in treatments, and detanglers. It works synergistically with other surfactants to ensure effective oil removal, while its mildness helps prevent scalp irritation. In conditioning treatments, it helps improve texture and spreadability, allowing for easier application and absorption. Its ability to thicken and stabilize formulations also makes it an important component in styling products like mousses and hair gels, where a creamy, luxurious texture is desired. Additionally, its antistatic properties help manage static buildup, keeping hair frizz-free and smooth, especially in dry or humid conditions.
Shaving Products
Cocamidopropyl betaine is an excellent ingredient in shaving creams and gels due to its ability to create a thick, stable foam that cushions the skin during shaving. The foam boosts lubrication, reducing friction and irritation while providing a smooth glide for razors. It also acts as a mild surfactant that cleanses and removes oils from the skin without causing dryness or discomfort, making it ideal for sensitive skin during shaving.
Oral Care
In oral care products like mouthwashes and toothpaste, cocamidopropyl betaine serves as a surfactant and foam stabilizer. Its mildness makes it suitable for formulations that require gentle cleansing and foam without causing irritation to the delicate oral tissues. It also helps to distribute other active ingredients evenly within the formulation, ensuring better overall performance.
Baby Care
Because of its gentle, non-irritating nature, cocamidopropyl betaine is commonly used in baby shampoos, body washes, and other bath products. It cleanses without causing dryness or irritation, which is essential for products formulated for delicate baby skin. Its mild foaming and moisturizing properties make it ideal for sensitive baby care formulations.
Cosmetic Formulations
In cosmetic products like foundations, creams, and lotions, cocamidopropyl betaine acts as an emulsifier and stabilizing agent. It helps blend water-based and oil-based ingredients, ensuring that products stay uniform and do not separate over time. Additionally, it contributes to the product’s texture, making it smoother and easier to apply.
