They are a class of amphoteric surfactants containing both quaternary ammonium cationic groups and anionic groups such as carboxylates in their molecules, usually synthesized by the reaction of fatty tertiary amines with sodium chloroacetate. Compared with traditional anionic surfactants like sodium dodecyl sulfate, their core advantages lie in higher mildness and excellent compatibility—they can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants while reducing the irritation of other ingredients. Additionally, they can adjust their charge state under different pH environments, offering superior stability.