Comparing Coco Betaine and Coco Wash for Liquid Soap

Both Coco-Betaine and Coco Wash™ are surfactants derived from coconut, but they have different properties and uses in formulations.

• Coco-Betaine: This is a mild surfactant and an excellent foaming agent. While its cleaning efficiency is low when used alone, it is commonly used in combination with other surfactants in cleansing products like liquid soaps, shampoos, and body washes. It significantly boosts foam quality, creating a rich lather, and is known for its gentleness on the skin.

• Coco Wash™ (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate): This is a very gentle non-ionic surfactant primarily valued for its ability to provide softness and smoothness to the skin. It has low cleaning efficiency and is not suitable as the main detergent in a general cleansing product like liquid soap. It is best used in formulas where gentleness and skin feel are paramount, such as makeup removers, or as an additive in other cleansing products to enhance moisturizing and feel, rather than for cleaning.

Which to choose for Liquid Soap?

For making liquid soap where effective cleaning is needed, Coco-Betaine is the more appropriate choice. It functions well as a co-surfactant, improving the foam and mildness of the final product when combined with other cleaning agents. Coco Wash™ is not recommended as the primary surfactant for liquid soap due to its low cleaning power.

Foam Characteristics:

• Coco-Betaine: Known for boosting foam quality and creating abundant, rich lather.
• Coco Wash™: Not primarily used for its foaming properties; its main benefit is the soft and smooth feel it imparts.

Therefore, if you are making liquid soap and need a surfactant that contributes to cleaning and good foam, Coco-Betaine is suitable (often used with other surfactants). Coco Wash™ is better suited for gentle, low-foaming products or as a skin-conditioning additive.