Cetyl Betaine is a surfactant and conditioning agent derived from cetyl alcohol and betaine. It is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for its mild cleansing properties, as well as its ability to condition and enhance the texture of the product. This ingredient also contributes to foam formation - improving user experience without excessive dryness. Cetyl Betaine appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid in its raw form that has a smooth, viscous consistency. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and scalp, reducing irritation compared to harsher surfactants. The chemical formula of Cetyl Betaine is C20H41NO2.
CAS Number: 693-33-4Chem/IUPAC Name: (Carboxylatomethyl)hexadecyldimethylammoniumEINECS/ELINCS No: 211-748-4COSING REF No: 74950Products with CETYL BETAINE
With samples available
AMPHOSOL® CDB-HP
by Stepan Company
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
Macat® LB
by Brenntag Beauty & Personal Care
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
Macat® LCB
by Pilot Chemical
What is CETYL BETAINE used for?
Cetyl Betaine is primarily used in hair and skincare products for its mild cleansing, conditioning, and emulsifying properties. In hair care, it helps cleanse the scalp, remove dirt, and condition hair, leaving it soft, manageable, and less prone to static. It is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments. In skincare, Cetyl Betaine stabilizes emulsions, enhances product texture, and provides a gentle cleansing effect in facial cleansers and body washes. It also helps prevent skin irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Additionally, it can be used in bar soaps and other personal care formulations.
Origin
Cetyl Betaine is made by combining cetyl alcohol with a betaine source under controlled conditions. This reaction results in the creation of a zwitterionic surfactant with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, which gives Cetyl Betaine its unique cleansing and conditioning abilities.
What does CETYL BETAINE do in a formulation?
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
FOAM BOOSTING|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SURFACTANTSafety Profile
Cetyl Betaine is regarded as non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetics within the concentrations of 0.5% to 3%. Regulatory bodies like Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) confirm its safety when used in rinse-off and leave-on products. It is also suitable for sensitive skin due to its mild nature. However, performing a patch test is recommended prior to full application for added safety.
CETYL BETAINE alternatives
CETYL BETAINE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| pH | 5-6 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; insoluble in oil |
| Viscosity | Low to medium |