What are surfactants referred to as that are very mild and compatible with other surfactants?

Surfactants that are referred to as amphoteric have the unique ability to act as either an acid or a base, depending on the pH of the surrounding environment. This dual functionality allows them to be very mild and to interact well with various other surfactants, regardless of their charge. Amphoteric surfactants are often found in personal care products, like shampoos and conditioners, because they are gentle on the skin and hair while also providing effective cleansing and foaming properties.

In contrast, non-ionic surfactants do not carry an electrical charge and are typically mild as well, but they do not demonstrate the versatile behavior of amphoteric surfactants. Cationic surfactants are positively charged and tend to be more conditioning agents but can be less compatible with other types of surfactants. Anionic surfactants are negatively charged and are generally very effective in producing foam and cleansing but can be harsher compared to amphoteric surfactants. Therefore, the properties of amphoteric surfactants make them an ideal choice when compatibility and mildness are important.