Coco betaine

Coco betain (Cocamidopropyl betaine)

Coco betaine is an amphoteric surfactant (surface-active substance) derived from coconut oil and approved by the Ecocert standard. It is compatible with other types of surfactants (anionic, non-ionic, and cationic) and can be used as a primary or secondary surfactant. It is gentle on the skin, has good cleansing and foaming properties, improves product viscosity, and partly acts as an emulsifier.

It is highly soluble in water and has a pH of 5.0 – 6.0. It performs best as a co-surfactant, making the formulation even gentler and the foam more intense and longer lasting.

We use it in shampoos, shower gels, foaming baths, facial cleansers, hand and body soaps, children’s cleansing products,…

Usage: 4-40%, depending on the desired foaming and cleansing effect

Recipe: Gentle natural shampoo with coco betaine
Ingredients (for 100 g):

• Ingredient % Amount (g)
• Distilled water 60.00 % 60.0 g
• Glycerin (humectant) 3.00 % 3.0 g
• Coco betaine (30% act.) 15.00 % 15.0 g
• Decyl glucoside 10.00 % 10.0 g
• Lavender hydrolat (or other) 5.00 % 5.0 g
• Provitamin B5 (D-panthenol) 2.00 % 2.0 g
• Lactic acid (for pH) as needed (approx. 0.3 g)
• Preservative (e.g. Cosgard) 0.60 % 0.6 g
• Lavender essential oil 0.40 % 0.4 g

Procedure:
In the water phase, heat the water, hydrolat, and glycerin to approximately 40–45 °C until everything dissolves well.

Add the surfactants: coco betaine and decyl glucoside. Do not stir too much to avoid foaming.

Once the mixture cools below 40 °C, add the panthenol, essential oil, and preservative.

If necessary, adjust the pH with lactic acid – aim for a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.

Pour into a clean bottle with a cap or a pump/dispenser.