CAPB

Cocamidopropyl Betaine — Mild Amphoteric Surfactant — Bulk supply across India & International Markets

What is CAPB?

CAPB (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) is a mild, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, widely valued across the personal care industry for its exceptional mildness, excellent foam-boosting properties, and ability to reduce the irritation potential of harsher primary surfactants when used in combination. It is a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid that has become one of the most important secondary surfactants in mild and baby-safe personal care formulations.

Polychem Industries supplies CAPB to shampoo manufacturers, baby care product formulators, liquid soap producers, and dishwashing liquid companies across India and internationally. Its unique combination of mildness, foam enhancement, and viscosity-building properties makes it one of the most valuable surfactants for formulators developing gentle, skin-friendly personal care and cleansing products.

Available Grades

GradeFormPurityStandardApplications
Cosmetic / Detergent GradeClear to pale yellow viscous liquid28–30% active matterCosmetic / DetergentShampoo, baby care, liquid soap, dishwashing liquids

Applications & Uses

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Mild & Baby Shampoo Formulations

One of the most significant applications. CAPB is widely used in mild and baby-safe shampoo formulations, where its excellent mildness profile helps reduce the overall irritation potential of the formulation while still providing rich, stable foam and good cleansing performance.

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Liquid Hand Soap & Body Wash

Used in liquid hand soap and body wash formulations as a secondary surfactant, contributing to mildness, foam stabilisation, and viscosity building, particularly valued in premium and sensitive-skin formulated products.

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Baby Care Products

Extensively used in baby bath products, baby shampoo, and other infant personal care formulations due to its excellent mildness and low irritation potential, making it one of the preferred surfactants for products intended for sensitive, young skin.

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Liquid Detergents

Used in liquid detergent and dishwashing liquid formulations as a foam booster and viscosity modifier, contributing to improved sensory characteristics and foam performance in these household cleaning products.

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Facial Cleansers

Used in facial cleansing product formulations where mildness and gentle, non-irritating cleansing performance are key product positioning attributes, particularly in products marketed for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

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Oral Care Products

Used in certain toothpaste and mouthwash formulations as a mild foaming agent, contributing to product texture and foam characteristics while maintaining a gentle profile suited to oral care applications.

Technical Specifications

CAPB — Key Properties

Chemical FormulaCoconut fatty acid amidopropyl betaine (mixture)
CAS Number61789-40-0
Molecular Weight~342 g/mol (average)
AppearanceClear to pale yellow viscous liquid
Purity28–30% active matter
Active Matter28-30% (standard grade)
Density / Bulk Density1.02–1.04 g/cm3
pH4.5 – 6.0 (as supplied)
Packaging Available200 L drums / IBC tanks
StorageStore in cool, dry place in sealed containers. Avoid freezing temperatures. Shelf life 12 months.

Why Source CAPB from Polychem Industries?

  • Cosmetic and Detergent grade with consistent 28-30% active matter
  • Certificate of Analysis available on request
  • Excellent mildness profile suited to baby and sensitive-skin products
  • Reliable bulk supply for shampoo and personal care manufacturers
  • Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
  • Export documentation experience for international shipments

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is CAPB considered one of the mildest surfactants available?
CAPB is an amphoteric surfactant, meaning it carries both positive and negative charge characteristics depending on formulation pH, which generally results in lower irritation potential compared to many anionic surfactants used alone. It is frequently used specifically to mitigate and reduce the irritation potential of primary anionic surfactants like SLES when used in combination, making the overall formulation gentler while maintaining good cleansing and foam performance.
Can CAPB be used as the sole surfactant in a formulation?
CAPB is typically used as a secondary or co-surfactant alongside a primary surfactant (such as SLES) rather than as the sole surfactant, as it generally provides better overall performance, including foam volume and cleansing efficacy, when combined with a complementary primary surfactant system rather than used alone at typical formulation concentrations.
Is CAPB suitable for sulfate-free formulations?
Yes — CAPB is commonly used in sulfate-free personal care formulations, often paired with alternative primary surfactants such as sodium cocoyl isethionate or various amino acid-based surfactants, contributing mildness and foam support within these increasingly popular "sulfate-free" product positioning formulations.
Do you export CAPB outside India?
Yes. We export to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and South Africa with full export documentation. Contact us for export pricing and lead times.

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