Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB): Uses and Use Levels
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a mild amphoteric surfactant made from coconut oil fatty acids, usually sold as a pale yellow liquid of about 30% active matter. Formulators use it in shampoos, face washes, body washes and liquid hand soaps to boost foam, build thickness and make harsher surfactants feel gentler.
Last updated 7 Nov 2026
Specifications
- Formula
- Mixture (lauric component C19H38N2O3)
- CAS number
- 61789-40-0
- Grades
- Cosmetic
Products and pack sizes
| Product | Grade | Pack | Price (incl. GST) | ₹ per kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) | Cosmetic | — | ₹249 | — |
What is cocamidopropyl betaine?
Cocamidopropyl betaine, often shortened to CAPB, is a surfactant made by reacting coconut oil fatty acids with dimethylaminopropylamine and then with a chloroacetate. It is amphoteric, meaning it carries both a positive and a negative charge, which makes it mild and compatible with most other surfactants.
- CAS number: 61789-40-0
- Formula: a mixture; the main lauric component is C19H38N2O3
- Appearance: clear to pale yellow liquid, commonly about 30% active in water
- INCI name: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
On its own it foams well but is not a strong cleanser. Its real value is next to anionic surfactants like SLES, where it improves lather, increases thickness when salt is added, and reduces the sting and dryness of the formula.
Grades and pack sizes at Azlok
Azlok sells Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) under cosmetic raw ingredients, for shampoo, face wash and liquid soap makers. Check the active content and pack size on the product page and label, as that decides how much you use.
| Product | Grade | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) | Cosmetic | Shampoos, body and face washes, liquid hand wash |
See today's price per kg.
Common uses
- Hair care: secondary surfactant in shampoos and some conditioners.
- Skin cleansers: face washes, body washes and shower gels, where it softens the feel of the base.
- Liquid hand wash: boosts foam and helps the formula thicken with salt.
- Household: in some dishwashing liquids and mild cleaning products.
How to use it
- Typical level: formulators commonly use around 5 to 15% of the supplied 30% solution in shampoos and body washes, alongside a primary surfactant. Treat this as a typical range, not a rule.
- Order of addition: add the main surfactant to water first, then CAPB, and stir gently to avoid excess foam.
- Thickening: with SLES, add common salt in small steps, about 0.5% at a time, and check thickness after each. Too much salt makes the formula thin again.
- pH: most rinse-off cleansers are adjusted to about pH 5 to 6.5 with citric acid.
- Preserve it: water-based cleansers need a proper preservative.
Patch test finished products on the inner arm. Some people react to impurities left from manufacture, so buy from a consistent source. Cosmetics sold in India need to meet BIS and CDSCO rules.
Safety and storage
- The neat liquid irritates eyes. Wear safety glasses when pouring and rinse with water for several minutes if splashed.
- Gloves are sensible for long handling.
- Keep it away from strong oxidisers and strong acids.
- Store in its closed container at room temperature, out of direct sun. It can grow microbes if contaminated, so don't put fingers or wet spoons into the drum.
- Keep it away from children.
- Small spills: soak up with cloth or sand, then wipe with plenty of water. It foams heavily, so don't flush large amounts.
Choosing the right grade and pack
Before buying, check the active percentage, as recipes assume a strength. A small pack suits home makers testing a shampoo or face wash. Small brands making weekly batches usually buy larger packs, which work out cheaper per kg and keep the base consistent between batches.
For 25 kg drums and above, send a bulk inquiry with the quantity and active content you need.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CAPB used for in shampoo?
- CAPB is a secondary surfactant. In a shampoo based on SLES or similar, it adds creamier foam, helps the formula thicken when salt is added, and makes the wash feel milder on the scalp and eyes. On its own it is a weak cleanser.
- How much cocamidopropyl betaine should I use in a face wash?
- Formulators commonly use around 5 to 15% of a 30% active CAPB solution in rinse-off cleansers, together with a primary surfactant. Check the active content on your pack, test small batches, adjust pH to about 5 to 6.5, and patch test the finished product.
- Is cocamidopropyl betaine natural?
- It is made from coconut oil fatty acids, but it is produced by chemical reactions with other raw materials, so it is a coconut-derived synthetic surfactant. Products using it can say it comes from coconut, but calling the ingredient natural is not accurate.
- Can I make liquid hand wash with only CAPB?
- You can, but it will be expensive and won't clean or thicken well. CAPB works best as a partner to a primary surfactant such as SLES. A common approach is to combine them, then thicken with salt added in small steps.
- Why did my shampoo get thinner after adding more salt?
- Salt thickens SLES and CAPB blends up to a point, then the viscosity drops again. Add salt about 0.5% at a time and check after each addition. If you overshoot, adding more surfactant is the usual fix.
- Can cocamidopropyl betaine cause skin reactions?
- Some people react to it, often because of impurities left from manufacture. That is why a patch test on the inner arm is sensible before using any new product. Buying from a consistent source helps keep impurity levels steady.