Haircare — Process Challenge

Shampoo Surfactant & Foam-Booster Systems

Surfactant synergy, foam booster selection, and salt-thickening optimization for consumer-preferred shampoo performance
Updated Jun 2026
Solution Approach

RawSource supplies the base chemicals that go into these programs. We can help with product selection, grade matching, and sourcing from multiple origins for supply security.

Typical Formulation Workflow
1
Concept & Claim Definition
Define the product type, sensory and claim targets, and the regulatory and label framework (INCI, regional cosmetic regulations, certifications).
2
Ingredient Selection
Match emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants, actives, preservatives, or rheology modifiers to the formula, skin-feel, and compatibility window.
3
Bench Formulation
Build and stabilize the emulsion or system at the bench, checking pH, viscosity, preservative efficacy, and aesthetics.
4
Stability & Compliance Validation
Run stability and compatibility testing, confirm preservative efficacy, and finalize the INCI, CoA, and documentation.
Recommended Chemistries (6)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
CAS 151-21-3
Surfactants
Anionic surfactant and primary detergent
High-foaming anionic that supplies the flash foam and detergency consumers expect as the base surfactant
Melting Point: 204–207 °C   Density: > 1.1 at 20 °C   Solubility: < 1 mg/mL at 19 °C
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Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CAS 39660-17-8
Surfactants
Conditioning
Amphoteric that stabilizes the lamellae of the foam, increasing bubble density and persistence
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Lauramide DEA
CAS 68603-91-8
Amines & Amides
Cleaning / Degreasing
Fatty alkanolamide that thickens the micellar solution and stabilizes foam, enabling salt-response thickening
Melting Point: 42–47 °C   Boiling Point: 239–244 °C at 760 mmHg   Density: Approximately 8.1 lb/gal
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Cocobetaine 35%
CAS 61789-40-0
Surfactants
Amphoteric secondary surfactant and foam booster
Drives micelle-shape change that lets sodium chloride thicken the system and boosts secondary foam
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Sodium Chloride
CAS 7647-14-5
Acids & Salts
Conditioning
The canonical salt-thickening agent: at the optimum level it drives the sphere-to-rod micelle transition in anionic/amphoteric surfactant blends, building shampoo viscosity without added polymer (the design-named 'salt thickening' lever)
Physical Description: Dry Powder, Other Solid; Liquid; Liquid, Other …   Appearance: Colorless and transparent or translucent when i…   Taste: SRP: SALTY
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Hydroxyethylcellulose
CAS 9004-62-0
Specialty Additives
Nonionic cellulosic thickener for shampoos and gels
Electrolyte-stable cellulosic for viscosity when salt-thickening alone is insufficient
Melting Point: Decomposes at 205ºC as Cellosize   Density: Specific gravity (2%): 1.0033 g/cu cm   Solubility: Soluble
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Need help selecting the right chemistry?

Our team can help with grade selection, dosage guidance, and multi-origin sourcing.

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