Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a versatile, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. Known for its exceptional foaming, thickening, and mild cleansing properties, it is a popular ingredient in natural cleaning products, shampoos, body washes, and dish soaps. Its compatibility with other surfactants makes it ideal for formulating gentle yet effective cleansers for home and personal care use.
Table of Contents
- What is Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine?
- Is It Safe?
- Uses in Cleaning Products
- Key Benefits
- Formulation Guidelines
- Eco Profile
- Comparison with Other Surfactants
- References
What is Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine?
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (CAPHS) is a mild amphoteric surfactant created by combining coconut-derived fatty acids with sulfobetaine compounds. It belongs to the hydroxysultaine class of surfactants and is appreciated for its excellent foaming and viscosity-building capabilities, even in hard water or high pH systems.
Is It Safe?
CAPHS is considered safe for use in rinse-off products and household cleaners. It is generally well-tolerated by skin and eyes, making it a frequent addition to baby shampoos and mild soaps. Regulatory bodies like the CIR and EWG rate it as low-risk when used in appropriate concentrations.
Uses in Cleaning Products
- Natural dish soaps
- Multipurpose surface cleaners
- Foaming hand soaps
- Laundry detergents
- Pet shampoos
- Car wash formulas
Key Benefits
- High foaming: Produces dense, stable foam even in hard water.
- Mildness: Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes.
- Thickening agent: Helps achieve desired viscosity in liquid products.
- Electrolyte tolerance: Stable in systems with high salt concentrations.
- Hard water resistance: Maintains performance in various water qualities.
Formulation Guidelines
- Typical use level: 1–10% depending on the product.
- Can be used with anionic (e.g., SLS, SLES), non-ionic, and other amphoteric surfactants.
- Commonly added during the surfactant blend phase and mixed under low to medium shear.
Eco Profile
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is derived from coconut oil and is readily biodegradable. It meets the environmental safety criteria for many green certification standards and is often chosen for "clean label" and eco-friendly formulations. It is non-toxic to aquatic life at recommended use levels.
Comparison with Other Surfactants
| Surfactant | Type | Foam | Mildness | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine | Amphoteric | High | Very Mild | Foaming cleansers, dish soap |
| Decyl Glucoside | Non-Ionic | Moderate | Very Mild | Facial cleansers, body wash |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | Anionic | Very High | Moderate to Harsh | Industrial, deep cleaning |
