Product description

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is an amphoteric surfactant derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil (C12–C18 blend). It is produced by chemical synthesis from coconut-based fatty raw materials – typically via formation of an amidoamine and subsequent reaction to an “amphoacetate” structure, which shows amphoteric behavior in solution (depending on pH it can carry either a positive or a negative charge).
In practice it is used as a mild secondary surfactant in cleansing formulations: it improves skin tolerance, supports the formation of a creamy foam and helps to soften the “degreasing” effect of stronger anionic surfactants.

Key benefits

• Milder cleansing – suitable for reducing irritancy in surfactant systems.
• Creamier foam – improves the foam feel and foam stability.
• Synergistic effect with anionic surfactants – helps to soften formulations containing stronger detergents.
• Good compatibility – can be used in a wide range of shampoos, shower gels and facial cleansing gels.
• Suitable for more sensitive formulations – often used in products for children or for sensitive skin (always depending on the overall composition).

Suitable for products such as

• Shampoos and mild hair cleansing gels.
• Shower gels and liquid soaps with a gentler degreasing effect.
• Facial cleansing gels (rinse-off) – especially in combination with other surfactants and humectants.
• Children’s cleansing products (shampoo/gel) – with an appropriately adjusted formulation.
• Bath foam and products where a creamier, more stable foam is desired.

Use in formulation

• Soluble in: water (commonly supplied as an aqueous solution).
• Miscible with: aqueous surfactant bases; combines well with anionic, nonionic and other amphoteric surfactants.
• Compatible with: common thickeners for surfactant systems (e.g. polymers depending on the type of formulation) and with humectants (glycerin, propanediol) – the final viscosity and clarity must always be verified by testing.
• Dosage (indicative): typically used as a secondary surfactant in cleansing products; the exact % is set according to the desired share of active surfactants in the formula.
• Processing tip: for stable clarity and viscosity, pay attention to the order of mixing (first water + humectants, then surfactants, finally thickening and pH adjustment). When thickening with salt, proceed carefully in small increments, because the system may show a “salt curve” (it thickens first, then thins).

FAQ

Also have a look at other surfactants offered by Handymade.