Cocamidopropyl betaine is in practically every shampoo because it reduces the irritation caused by SLS, plus it's inexpensive. But I've seen people using it as a primary surfactant. I don't think it is good as the main surfactant. Betaine has a N+ ion at the centre which acts rather like a quat; provides some conditioning. After experimenting for the last 6 months or so with different surfactants including betaine, I have come to the conclusion that too much betaine causes 'spongy' hair. I was pretty happy with my sulphate-free recipe but then decided to use less betaine and more of the (more expensive) primary surfactant. The result was definitely better. Way better.
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