Cocamidopropyl betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is an amphoteric surfactant made in two steps: coconut fatty acids (or coconut oil) are reacted with dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) to form an amidoamine, which is then reacted with sodium monochloroacetate. It is used as a secondary surfactant with anionic surfactants in shampoos, body washes and hand soaps to build foam and viscosity. Brands buy it as a roughly 30 to 38% aqueous solution containing sodium chloride from the reaction.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Aqueous solution with sodium chloride by-product, in drums or totes.
Concentrated (about 35 to 38%) or salt-reduced grades for clear or sulfate-free formulas.
Grades with tight limits on free amidoamine and DMAPA, the impurities linked to sensitization concerns.
Grades preserved with sodium benzoate or other options instead of standard preservatives, for natural standards.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store closed at 5 to 40 °C, away from freezing; cold material can haze or deposit salt and is mixed after warming. Keep containers sealed to protect the preservative system. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active matter, pH and micro for older stock.
Active matter, salt and amidoamine/DMAPA levels vary by lot and supplier, so record them for each lot and adjust salt additions for viscosity. Rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cocamidopropyl betaine (CAS 61789-40-0) with non-medicinal purposes including antistatic agent, cleansing surfactant and aqueous viscosity increasing agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same database entry restricts it to topical or dental use when formulated to be non-sensitizing, not in products containing N-nitrosating agents, citing CIR.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same database entry sets use levels of up to 6% in dental and leave-on products and up to 11% in other rinse-off products.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Englewood, CO
Sells it as Empigen BS/O
US specialty chemicals company whose personal care unit makes surfactants, emollient esters and silicones for shampoos, cleansers and skin care, alongside fuel and industrial chemistries.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standard grade (about 30% active), high-active or low-salt grades, low-impurity grades and preservative-free or naturally preserved. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect active matter, amidoamine and DMAPA, sodium chloride and monochloroacetate, pH and microbiology and preservative, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store closed at 5 to 40 °C, away from freezing; cold material can haze or deposit salt and is mixed after warming. Keep containers sealed to protect the preservative system. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active matter, pH and micro for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cocamidopropyl betaine (CAS 61789-40-0) with non-medicinal purposes including antistatic agent, cleansing surfactant and aqueous viscosity increasing agent. The same database entry restricts it to topical or dental use when formulated to be non-sensitizing, not in products containing N-nitrosating agents, citing CIR. The same database entry sets use levels of up to 6% in dental and leave-on products and up to 11% in other rinse-off products.
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