Amphoteric surfactants are very mild, making them particularly suited for use in personal care and household cleaning products. They can be anionic, cationic or nonionic in solution, depending on the acidity or pH of the water. They are compatible with all other classes of surfactants and are soluble and effective in the presence of high concentrations of electrolytes, acids and alkalis. These surfactants may contain two charged groups of different sign. Whereas the positive charge is almost always ammonium, the source of the negative charge may vary (carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate). These surfactants have excellent dermatological properties. They are frequently used in shampoos and other cosmetic products, and also in hand dishwashing liquids because of their high foaming properties. An example of an amphoteric surfactant is alkyl betaine.

Alkyl Betaines

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