Humectant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Mild amphoteric surfactant from coconut oil — the standard of modern gentle cleansing products. Cocamidopropyl Betaine reduces irritation from sulfates, provides creaminess to the foam, and conditions skin and hair.

mild surfactantcoconutconditionersulfate-free

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) — a synthetic amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. The amphoteric molecule carries both + and - charges depending on pH. Functions: primary or auxiliary surfactant, foam thickener, conditioner, antistatic agent. In INCI: Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

Co-surfactant in most modern "gentle" and "sulfate-free" shampoos, shower gels, and cleansing foams. Softens aggressive sulfates and increases foam creaminess.

Key Benefits

✦

Softening aggressive sulfates

In combination with SLS or SLES, it significantly reduces their irritating potential due to its amphoteric nature — a product with CAPB+SLS is gentler than a product with only SLS.

◈

Creamy thick foam

Improves the stability and quality of foam — makes it creamy, fluffy, and pleasant to the touch, even at low sulfate concentrations.

✧

Conditioning of skin and hair

Leaves a positive charge on the surface — conditionally conditions hair and skin, reduces static electricity, and provides a soft feel after rinsing.

Suitable for

for all skin typesfor sensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ gentle cleansing✓ foaming✓ conditioning✓ softening sulfates

Allergy to CAPB

Cocamidopropyl betaine is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis in dermatology patients. Usually, the reaction is not to CAPB itself, but to impurities in production (amidoamine, DMAPA). If there is sensitivity — look for products with sodium cocoyl isethionate or sodium cocoyl glutamate instead of CAPB.

CategoryHumectants

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