Product Overview
CAPB is a mild, coconut derived amphoteric surfactant supplied by EZ Elements at 35% active concentration. Its INCI name is Cocoamidopropyl Betaine 35%, with a CAS number of 61789 40 0. Made from coconut or palm derived fatty acids reacted with dimethylaminopropylamine, CAPB is best known as the ingredient that softens and stabilizes stronger cleansing surfactants, giving shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers their rich, gentle lather.
As an amphoteric, or zwitterionic, surfactant, CAPB behaves differently depending on formulation pH, contributing conditioning and mildness in acidic systems and strong foaming and cleansing performance in alkaline ones. This versatility is exactly why it shows up in such a wide range of personal care and household cleaning formulations across Canada.
Why It Is a Go to Ingredient for Gentle Cleansing Formulations
CAPB has become one of the most widely used secondary surfactants in personal care formulation, and its reputation comes down to a specific set of performance benefits.
- A mildness booster for harsher surfactants. CAPB is frequently paired with anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, reducing the irritation those materials can cause on their own while preserving strong cleansing performance.
- A genuine foam booster. CAPB increases foam volume, texture, and stability, which is why it appears in shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths where a rich, long-lasting lather matters to the finished product.
- Broad surfactant compatibility. It works well with anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants, making it easy to slot into almost any existing cleansing formulation.
- A mild enough profile for sensitive formulations. CAPB is commonly used in baby care and sensitive skin products, where a gentler surfactant system is the priority.
- Added viscosity and conditioning. Beyond cleansing, CAPB contributes thickening and antistatic properties, helping conditioners and cleansers feel richer and leave hair easier to comb.
Key Features & Benefits
- Supplied at 35% active concentration for consistent, predictable formulation dosing.
- Derived from coconut or palm oil fatty acids, giving it a naturally sourced hydrophobic backbone.
- Amphoteric and zwitterionic, compatible with anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactant systems.
- Water soluble across a wide pH range, simplifying formulation across many product types.
- Boosts foam volume, texture, and stability in rinse off cleansing products.
- Reduces the irritation potential of stronger primary surfactants when used as a co-surfactant.
- Readily biodegradable, supporting environmentally responsible formulation.
Applications
CAPB is used across formulation categories served by EZ Elements, anchored by personal care cleansing formulation as its primary application.
Personal Care & Cleansing Formulations
- Shampoos and conditioners, where it boosts foam and adds a conditioning, antistatic effect
- Body washes and shower gels, contributing rich, stable lather and reduced irritation
- Facial cleansers, where its mildness suits daily use formulations
- Hand soaps and liquid soaps, supporting foam and gentle cleansing performance
- Baby care and sensitive skin formulations, where a milder surfactant system is essential
- Bubble baths, where CAPB stabilizes foam over time
Household & Light Industrial Cleaning
- Household cleaners and surface sprays, where CAPB supports foam and mild cleansing action
- Light industrial cleaning formulations that call for a coconut derived, biodegradable surfactant
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
| INCI Name | Cocoamidopropyl Betaine 35% |
| CAS No. | 61789 40 0 |
| Chemical Family | Amphoteric (zwitterionic) alkyl amidopropyl betaine surfactant |
| Derived From | Coconut or palm oil fatty acids and dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
| Active Content | 35% active substance, as supplied by EZ Elements |
| pH (10% aqueous solution) | Approximately 4.0 to 6.0 |
| Ionic Classification | Amphoteric; cationic leaning below pH 6, anionic leaning above pH 8 |
| Solubility | Freely water soluble across a wide pH range |
| Recommended Use Level | Typically, 2% to 10% as supplied, depending on formulation; higher levels used in some primary cleansing systems |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Regulatory Status | TDS, COA, and SDS available on request |
Why Choose EZ Elements as Your Supplier
EZ Elements supplies CAPB with consistent active concentration and complete documentation, supporting personal care brands, cosmetic manufacturers, and cleaning product formulators across Canada.
- Full documentation including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Consistent 35% active concentration for reliable, repeatable formulation dosing
- Bulk supply with transparent, competitive pricing, especially valuable during this week’s surfactant promotion
- Technical support on co-surfactant selection, usage rates, and formulation troubleshooting
Safety & Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Keep the container tightly sealed between uses to prevent contamination.
- For external use only in finished cosmetic formulations; always dilute and test before use on sensitive skin.
- Handle concentrated solutions with gloves and eye protection during formulation.
Complete handling, first aid, and disposal instructions are provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from EZ Elements upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is CAPB used for?
CAPB is used as a mild, secondary surfactant and foam booster in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, hand soaps, and baby care products, and it also supports mild cleansing in household and light industrial formulations.
Q2: Is CAPB gentle enough for sensitive skin?
CAPB is widely regarded as a mild surfactant and is commonly used in baby care and sensitive skin formulations. As with any surfactant, formulators should patch test finished products, since a small percentage of individuals can be sensitive to CAPB or its manufacturing impurities.
Q3: Can CAPB be used as the only surfactant in a formulation?
CAPB is most often used as a secondary or co-surfactant rather than the sole cleansing agent, paired with a primary surfactant to boost foam and reduce irritation. It can be used at higher levels as a primary surfactant in very mild formulations, though this is less common.
Q4: What is the recommended usage rate for CAPB?
Typical use levels range from 2% to 10% of the CAPB as supplied, depending on the formulation and desired foam and mildness profile. Always confirm usage rate against your specific formulation goals.
Q5: What surfactants is CAPB commonly paired with?
CAPB is frequently paired with anionic surfactants to reduce irritation and boost foam, and it also works well alongside nonionic surfactants and emulsifiers such as Polysorbate 20 in cleansing and personal care systems.
Q6: Where can I buy CAPB in bulk in Canada?
CAPB is available for bulk purchase directly from EZ Elements, with supply options for personal care brands, cosmetic manufacturers, and cleaning product formulators across Canada. This week, CAPB is included in our Back-to-School promotion, 15% off all surfactants and soap ingredients through August 9. Contact our team for current pricing, documentation, and product samples.
Related Ingredients
The following EZ Elements ingredients are commonly used alongside CAPB in shampoo, body wash, and cleanser formulations:
- Emulsifying Wax NF A self-emulsifying wax often used alongside CAPB in conditioners and cream cleansers to build a rich, stable texture.
- Polysorbate 20 A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that pairs well with CAPB in cleansing and personal care systems that need both foaming and solubilizing performance.
Order or Enquire
Looking to buy CAPB in bulk? Contact EZ Elements for current pricing, full product documentation, and supply options across personal care and household cleaning formulation. This week’s Back to School promotion takes 15% off all surfactants and soap ingredients through August 9. We supply brands, manufacturers, and formulators across Canada. Reach out today to request a sample, Technical Data Sheet, or a bulk pricing quote for your next project.
