Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)

About This Product

Cocamidopropyl betaine, usually abbreviated CAPB, is an amphoteric surfactant produced by reacting coconut oil fatty acids with dimethylaminopropylamine and then quaternising the product with sodium chloroacetate. It carries CAS number 61789-40-0 and the INCI name Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and is normally supplied as a clear to pale yellow aqueous solution at around 30 percent active matter.

Being amphoteric means the molecule carries both a positive and a negative charge, and its net charge follows the pH of the system: cationic in acid, zwitterionic and effectively neutral across the normal range of personal-care products. This is why it is almost always used as a secondary rather than a primary surfactant. Blended with an anionic surfactant such as sodium laureth sulfate it forms mixed micelles, and those larger micelles both thicken the formulation, often dramatically with added salt, and reduce the amount of free anionic surfactant available to disrupt skin proteins. The practical result is more foam, better viscosity response and measurably less irritation from the same anionic base.

It is used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, baby washes, hand soaps and dishwashing liquids.

Bio Green Oleo supplies cocamidopropyl betaine to specification on active matter, sodium chloride, free amine and amidoamine, pH, colour and preservative system.