SLES and CAPB Blend — Shampoo Surfactant Base

What is SLES and CAPB Blend — Shampoo Surfactant Base?

The SLES and CAPB blend is the most widely used shampoo surfactant system globally. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) provides primary detergency and rich foam; cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) acts as an amphoteric co-surfactant that improves mildness, boosts foam density, and builds viscosity when salt-adjusted. Venus…

What is SLES and CAPB Blend — Shampoo Surfactant Base used for?

Extend the base with cocamide MEA for enhanced viscosity, lauryl glucoside for mildness, or explore sulfate-free syndet systems. See all personal care surfactant blends. Venus Ethoxyethers manufactures and supplies in India; request a quote for your requirements.

The SLES and CAPB blend is the most widely used shampoo surfactant system globally. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) provides primary detergency and rich foam; cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) acts as an amphoteric co-surfactant that improves mildness, boosts foam density, and builds viscosity when salt-adjusted. Venus Ethoxyethers supports formulators sourcing anionic surfactants and amphoteric betaines for this chassis.

Typical SLES + CAPB shampoo chassis

IngredientINCITypical level (% active)Function
Sodium laureth sulfateSodium Laureth Sulfate10–14%Primary anionic cleanser, foam
Cocamidopropyl betaineCocamidopropyl Betaine3–6%Co-surfactant, mildness, viscosity
Sodium chlorideSodium Chloride0.3–1.5%Viscosity adjustment (salt curve)
Citric acidCitric Acidq.s.pH 5.0–5.5

Why formulators choose SLES + CAPB

  • Proven performance — strong grease removal and consumer-accepted foam profile
  • Mildness boost — CAPB reduces irritation versus SLES-only systems
  • Viscosity control — salt curve with betaine enables target rheology without heavy thickeners
  • Cost efficiency — competitive active cost for mass-market shampoos and body washes

Related blend systems

Extend the base with cocamide MEA for enhanced viscosity, lauryl glucoside for mildness, or explore sulfate-free syndet systems. See all personal care surfactant blends.

Amphoteric surfactants guide | Personal care surfactants guide | Request samples

Related Products & Pages

Related Products

Surfactant BlendsAmphoteric SurfactantsAnionic Surfactants (Cleaning Agents)SLES, Cocamide MEA and CAPB BlendDetergent Bases

Related CAS Numbers

SLES AND CAPB BLEND — SHAMPOO SURFACTANT BASECAS 142-78-9
DETERGENT BASESCAS 577-11-7
CO-SURFACTANTS (EMULSIFIERS)CAS 142-78-9
SULFATE & SULFOSUCCINATE DETAILSCAS 577-11-7
ANIONIC SURFACTANTS (CLEANING AGENTS)CAS 577-11-7

Related Blogs

CAPB guideHydroxysultaine guideAmphoteric surfactants guidePersonal care surfactantsSLES + CAPB blend
View all blog articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and services

Still Have Questions?

Our technical team is here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance.

Contact Us

SLES and CAPB blend is used as the primary surfactant chassis in mainstream shampoos and body washes. SLES delivers cleansing and foam; CAPB improves mildness, foam texture, and salt-thickened viscosity.

A common starting point is 10–12% active SLES with 3–5% active cocamidopropyl betaine, adjusted with 0.3–1.5% sodium chloride for viscosity and citric acid to pH 5.0–5.5.

Yes. SLES is the industry abbreviation for sodium laureth sulfate (sodium lauryl ether sulfate), an ethoxylated anionic surfactant widely used in rinse-off personal care products.

No FAQs found

Try adjusting your search terms