Shea butteramidopropyl betaine refers to the shea fatty acid amidopropyl betaine. Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine or glycine betaine) is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is formed as a by-product of sugar production from sugar beet molasses (beta vulgaris, hence "betaine").
Shea butteramidopropyl betaine is used in cosmetic formulations. The compound acts as a cleansing agent (cleanses skin, hair or teeth) and as a foam enhancer (improves foam quality by increasing volume, texture and/or durability).