Common Name(s): Amphoteric betaine,mild co-surfactant,conditioning foam enhancer
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides amphoteric betaine mild conditioning and foam enhancement.
Why It's Used: Amphoteric betaine mild co-surfactant โ net-zero charge betaines provide inherent mildness from the absence of net ionic character while simultaneously boosting foam and conditioning from the zwitterionic molecular character compatible with all surfactant charge types.
How It Works: Fatty amide + dimethylaminopropylamine + chloroacetic acid โ betaine. net zero charge: zwitterionic. mild: no net charge means minimal protein denaturing. foam enhancing. conditioning. ph stable. baby-safe.
Typically Found In: Baby shampoos,mild cleansers,sensitive skin
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 3%โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - animal origin stated in the record's own description; documentation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: pass-1 miss: the record's own detail text states an animal derivation, but pass 1 classified on the name and source_notes only. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Betaine net-zero charge mildness: anionic surfactants (sls, sles) carry one negative charge that strongly binds cationic amino acid residues in skin proteins causing denaturation. betaine's zwitterion (positive quaternary ammonium + negative carboxylate, equal charges) has zero net charge providing no net electrostatic driving force for protein binding โ mechanistically explaining betaine's markedly lower denaturing activity vs anionic surfactants.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,amphoteric betaine mildness mechanism review