Ingredient · Updated

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Neutral in 25

Found in 25 productsSee all

What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine?

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a synthetic surfactant that is derived from coconut oil. It's created through a chemical process that involves combining coconut oil fatty acids with dimethylaminopropylamine.

This ingredient is commonly used as a foaming agent and emulsifier in personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and toothpastes. Evidence suggests it is generally safe for topical use, but it can sometimes cause mild skin irritation, particularly in people with sensitive skin.

When you see Cocamidopropyl Betaine on a label, it indicates the product is designed to create lather and improve texture, but if you have sensitive skin, you might want to test it cautiously.

Commonly found in: Toothpaste, Shampoo, Body Wash, Face Cleanser, Bubble Bath

What to watch

  • May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

  • Effective as a gentle cleanser and foaming agent.
FDA

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

Research

Some studies indicate it may cause irritation, but it is broadly considered safe at normal use concentrations.

Vegan

Derived from coconut oil, it is considered suitable for vegan products.

Sources: Safety Assessment of Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Scout's take

Coconut-derived surfactant — milder than sulfates, though an occasional allergen.

The case against

It can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin.

from the analysis of Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash with Coconut Scent · echoed in 1 other analysis

Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.

from the analysis of Sukin 455431 Botanical Body Wash Lime Coconut · echoed in 1 other analysis

May cause allergic reactions in some individuals with sensitive skin.

from the analysis of Salt & Stone Body Wash - Bergamot & Hinoki

Potential skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

from the analysis of Multi Surface Peppermint Sage Cleaning Wipes

May cause mild skin irritation in some individuals.

from the analysis of Trader Joe's Laundry Detergent Sheets

The case for

It provides gentle cleansing and foaming properties without stripping the skin's natural oils.

from the analysis of Sukin 455431 Botanical Body Wash Lime Coconut · echoed in 1 other analysis

Improves the texture and foaming properties of the product, enhancing user experience.

from the analysis of OSEA Undaria Algae Body Wash - Travel Size - Ulta Beauty

It provides gentle cleansing and is less irritating compared to harsher surfactants.

from the analysis of Native Body Wash Sea Salt & Cedar Sulfate Free for Women & Men

Improves foam and cleaning performance while being relatively mild.

from the analysis of Trader Joe's Laundry Detergent Sheets

It improves the texture and effectiveness of cleaning formulations.

from the analysis of Multi Surface Peppermint Sage Cleaning Wipes

More from Scout's analyses

Coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant; gentle on its own. Carries N-nitrosamine contamination risk when stacked with the secondary amines in the MCI/MIT preservative system.

from the analysis of Method Men Sea + Surf Body Wash

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils.

from the analysis of Native Body Wash Sea Salt & Cedar Sulfate Free for Women & Men

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to enhance the foaming and cleansing properties of cleaning products. It is generally considered mild and safe. However, it can cause irritation in some individuals.

from the analysis of Multi Surface Peppermint Sage Cleaning Wipes

All 25 products with Cocamidopropyl Betaine

+ 1 more products in the Scout app

Where Cocamidopropyl Betaine shows up

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