Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Mild amphoteric surfactant from coconut oil. Reduces the irritating effect of harsher surfactants in the formula. Occasionally causes contact dermatitis due to manufacturing impurities.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Combination, Normal
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
For sensitive skin
Rare contact dermatitis cases relate to cocamidopropyl dimethylamine impurities. Sensitive skin should patch test first.
About this ingredient
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) is a mild amphoteric surfactant from coconut-oil fatty acids and dimethylaminopropyl betaine. One of the most popular secondary surfactants in shampoos, shower gels, and facial washes. In formulas it works alongside anionic surfactants (SLS, SLES, cocoyl isethionate), reducing their irritation. Where applied. Shampoos, shower gels, micellar products, baby cosmetics, intimate hygiene products. Concentration 1-10%. In Spain – in Klorane, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash, Avène Trixera, Cetaphil, Lush. Mechanism. Amphoteric (has both positive and negative charges) – gently solubilizes lipids without disrupting the stratum corneum lipid matrix. Unlike SLS, does not cause dryness. Stabilizes foam, increases density. Evidence base. Functional surfactant. No direct clinical efficacy. Per studies (Loden 2003, Tupker 1996) – significantly milder than SLS and SLES by irritation index. Near-standard in baby and atopic cosmetics. Allergenicity controversy. CAPB may contain manufacturing impurities – residual amidoamines (especially DMAPA, dimethylaminopropylamine), 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine. These impurities are notable contact allergens. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named CAPB "Allergen of the Year" 2004 due to rising US contact allergy cases. Actual prevalence – 2-3% positive patch tests (Foti 2003). Safety. CIR/SCCS confirm safety with DMAPA impurity control <500 ppm. In quality pharmacy cosmetics control is strict. Allergic reactions in eczema patients are more frequent than in the general population (5-8%). Non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. Brief contact, minimal absorption. Suitable for. Universal, including baby and sensitive skin. Atopics and eczema patients – patch-test on a small area before regular use, especially if there is suspicion of "mild" shampoo allergy. With patch-test-confirmed allergy – choose formulas with other amphoteric surfactants (cocobetaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine).
Frequently asked questions
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine safe during pregnancy?
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cocamidopropyl Betaine for?
Cocamidopropyl Betaine suits: oily, combination, normal. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Can Cocamidopropyl Betaine irritate the skin?
Cocamidopropyl Betaine has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mild amphoteric surfactant from coconut oil.
What's the INCI name for Cocamidopropyl Betaine?
The INCI name is Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It may also appear as: CAPB.
See Cocamidopropyl Betaine in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Betaine, Coco-Caprylate, Laureth-7, Polyacrylate-13, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate
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