Comparatively Speaking: Alkyl Betaines vs. Amido Betaines
Figures
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Figure 1. Alkylamidopropyl betaine
Figure 1. Alkylamidopropyl betaine
The structure of alkylamidopropyl betaine is show in Figure 1.
- Figure 2. Foam of betaines
Figure 2. Foam of betaines
The betaines selected for a formulation can alter viscosity, foam and feel of the finished product and is a major way that formulator may get different product performance.
Tables
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Table 1. Source and foam properties of betaines
Table 1. Source and foam properties of betaines
INCI Name Designation Derived From Foam Properties Cocamidopropyl Betaine COAB Coconut oil Highest overall foam height but the least stable, quickest flash foam Lauramidopropyl Betaine LMAB Lauric Myristic Fatty Acid Densest foam, but less voluminous than COAB, requires more agitation Cetyl Betaine CET Cetyl dimethyl amine Second to LMB in density of foam, but has the longest sustained foam COB Cocamidopropyl Betaine (and) Oleamidopropyl Betaine COB Coconut Oil /Oleic Acid Moderate foaming in comparison to others, good flash foam with open structure Ricinoleamidopropyl Betaine ROAB Castor Oil Moderate foamer with creamy after feel Dimer Dilinoleamidopropyl Betaine DLB Dimer Acid Moderate foamer with sustained foam and good after feel
By: Anthony J. O'Lenick Jr., Siltech LLC; and Robert J. Coots, PhD, Colonial Chemical Inc.
Posted: July 6, 2011
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an important surfactant used in personal care. However, it is only one of a series of possible alkyl groups that can be used to make betaines. There are two types of betaines: alkyl betaines and amido betaines.
Amido betaine products are mild, foaming amphoteric surfactants that complex with anionics. They are used extensively in shampoos, bubble baths and in other cleansing products. The structure of alkylamidopropyl betaine is show in Figure 1.
Amido betaines can be derived from a variety of natural oils or fatty acids, the choice of which can profoundly effect the performance in formulations.
The selection of the specific material used in formulations will affect foam, skin feel and viscosity of the product. Cetyl betaine is derived from cetyl dimethyl amine and is an alkyl betaine.
The betaines selected for a formulation can alter viscosity, foam and feel of formulated products and is a major way that a formulator may affect product performance. A selection of betaines and their properties is shown in Table 1.
- Figure 2. Foam of betaines