In cleaning formulations, foam stabilization and thickening are critical steps to enhance product texture. Among commonly used surfactants on the market, Cocamide DEA and Cocamido propyl betaine are considered two popular choices.

Chemical Name: Cocamide DEA

Type: Nonionic surfactant

Cocamide DEA is known as one super thickeners or foam stabilizers, this is a classic and established surfactant. The two most prevalent types on the market are the 1:1 and 1:1.5 formulations.

Chemical Name: Cocamido propyl betaine(CAB)

Type: Amphoteric surfactant.

Cocamido propyl betaine is one Gentle buffer agent, a frequently used mild additive in skincare products, providing dense foam and exceptional skin texture.

In-depth analysis: respective strengths and applicable scenarios of two surfactants.

Cocamide DEA -The King of Cost-Effectiveness, the First Choice for Universal formulations

Cocamide DEA is featuring all-round capabilities, affordability, and stable performance. Its thickening effect is immediate; when compounded with AES and SLES and combined with a small amount of sodium chloride, it can achieve the appropriate consistency. The foam stabilization effect is also excellent, capable of locking in foam and preventing it from dissipating upon rinsing. Suitable applications include dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, regular shampoo, and hand sanitizer, as well as products that prioritize cost control and simple formulations. Disadvantages: It is prone to solidifying and caking at low temperatures, has average mildness, and is not suitable for extremely mild baby care and sensitive skin products.

Cocamido propyl betaine -Gentle and responsible, essential for high-end hair and body care.

The greatest advantage of CAB is being mild, providing a good skin feel, having almost no irritation, and being able to neutralize the irritation of anionic surfactants, making the product not tight or dry after washing. Its foam is extremely dense and delicate, with a soft and waxy texture. Although its thickening ability is average, it can assist in thickening, enhance the stability of the overall system, and has excellent anti-hard water ability. Suitable scenarios: baby care products, cleansing products for sensitive skin, high-end shampoos and body washes, cleansing mousses, and foam hand soaps.

Selection formula: How to match different products?

For low-cost household cleaning (dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent), the top choice is Cocamide DEA paired with AES and a small amount of sodium chloride, which has low cost, maximizes thickening and foam stabilization effects, and outperforms the other two in terms of cost-effectiveness.

All-Purpose Gold Formula (Universal Shampoo and Conditioner) Combination: Cocamide DEA  + CAB. Cocamide DEA is responsible for thickening and stabilizing foam, while CAB is responsible for enhancing mildness and foam texture. The two complement each other, and their combined effect far exceeds that of using either one alone.

Aproindustry Chem is commited to provide high quality products and application suggests to parters,  so as to assist partners to precisely select ingredients based on product positioning, budget, and target audience.