Cocamidopropyl betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAS 61789-40-0), commonly sourced under the abbreviation CAPB, is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.

Where is Cocamidopropyl betaine used?

• Shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers: secondary surfactant
• Liquid hand soaps and household cleaners: viscosity and cleaning performance over a wide pH range
• Textile and fiber processing: softening and antistatic agent during wet processing
• Industrial and institutional cleaning concentrates: degreasing and emulsification of oils
• It builds and stabilizes foam, conditions surfaces, and reduces the irritation potential of harsher co-surfactants.
• Combines with non-ionic alkyl polyglucosides for sulfate-free bases.
• Compatible with anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactant systems.
• Recommended for glass and shiny surfaces because it has a lower tendency to leave streaks.
• Active in cold water, in acidic and neutral baths and in diluted alkalis.

Good to know: Boosts foam density while moderating the aggressiveness of primary anionic surfactants like SLES.

Formulation notes

• Cocamidopropyl betaine and coco betaine are different chemicals with different CAS numbers (61789-40-0 vs 68424-94-2).
• It is the amidopropyl betaine from coconut fatty acids and is milder, whereas coco-betaine is the older alkyl betaine without an amidopropyl group with higher irritation potential.
• Incompatible with potent oxidizing agents.

Typical specification

• pH of a 10% solution is between 5.0 and 7.0.
• High-purity grades minimize residual amidoamine and DMAPA traces.
• ROKAmina K30K is a light yellow aqueous solution with an active content of 29 to 32%.
• It is a recognized contact allergen in a minority of sensitive people, attributed to residual manufacturing impurities amidoamine and DMAPA.

Regulatory status

• Its INCI name is cocamidopropyl betaine.
• Registered under the REACH Regulation and manufactured and/or imported in the European Economic Area at ≥10 to <100 tonnes per year.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Recommended storage temperature is 5°C to 35°C.

Frequently asked questions about Cocamidopropyl betaine

What surfactant types is it compatible with?

It is compatible with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.