Amphoterics
Mild, versatile, and pH-responsive — the backbone of modern formulation
Amphoteric surfactants carry both positive and negative charges within the same molecule, allowing them to behave as cationics in acidic environments and anionics in alkaline ones. That dual nature makes them uniquely mild, broadly compatible with other surfactants, and stable across an exceptional pH range. Verdant's amphoteric portfolio — anchored by our MACKAM® and DeTERIC™ lines — is among the most respected in the industry.
Amphoacetates & Amphopropionates
The chemistry
Amphoteric surfactants based on imidazoline intermediates, reacted to deliver either mono- or di-substituted carboxylate functionality. Available across a wide range of alkyl chain lengths.
What it delivers
Their amphoteric structure delivers mildness through favorable interaction with skin proteins and reduced binding to anionic surfactants — softening the irritation profile of any system they're blended into.
Who it’s for
Formulators building gentle cleansers: baby shampoos, sensitive-skin body washes, post-procedure cleansers — where mildness is the brief and there's no room to compromise. Also for HI&I formulators pushing surfactants into extreme pH systems where most chemistry breaks down.
The Verdant difference
Industry-benchmark mildness across the MACKAM® line, naturally derived options, DEA-free and MEA-free grades, plant-based feedstocks, and grades available with RSPO Mass Balance and COSMOS approval.
Betaines
The chemistry
A class of amphoterics built around a quaternary ammonium center paired with a carboxylate group. Cocamidopropyl betaine is the most widely used; lauryl and specialty betaines extend the performance range.
What it delivers
Betaines build foam, viscosity, and mildness when paired with anionic surfactants while remaining stable across an unusually wide pH range. They couple well with hard-to-formulate systems and improve sensory feel.
Who it’s for
Shampoos, body washes, dish liquids, hand soaps, hard surface cleaners, acid cleaners, and any formulation needing foam, viscosity, and a mildness boost.
The Verdant difference
Whole-coconut-derived MACKAM® 35 and 35 HA, high-foaming MACKAM® LAB for extreme-pH systems, and a broad range of grades engineered for personal care and HI&I.
Sultaines
The chemistry
Sulfobetaine-based amphoterics built around a quaternary ammonium center paired with a sulfonate group rather than the carboxylate found in betaines.
What it delivers
Sultaines deliver high foam and high stability at extreme pH. Because they're sulfonate-based, they remain anionic-compatible across a broader range of conditions than carboxylate betaines.
Who it’s for
Brand teams formulating premium face and body cleansers, foaming hand soaps, and high-end dish liquids — where consumers expect rich, stable lather and brand teams expect a clean label.
The Verdant difference
High-active, preservative-free, salt-free, and Prop 65-clean grades that support clean-label formulation goals without sacrificing foam or sensory performance.
Amine Oxides
The chemistry
A unique class often grouped with amphoterics — amine oxides behave as nonionics in neutral and alkaline systems and as cationics in acidic ones, with a single oxygen-bonded amine functionality.
What it delivers
Amine oxides boost foam, build viscosity, condition surfaces, and reduce irritation — all while remaining compatible across a wide range of surfactant systems. Highly biodegradable.
Who it’s for
Formulators across personal care, HI&I, and agriculture who need a versatile multi-functional booster — and don't have time to manage compatibility headaches with the rest of the formulation.
The Verdant difference
Broad MACKAMINE® portfolio spanning personal care, HI&I, and agricultural adjuvant applications — with biodegradable, naturally derived grades.
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