Cocamidopropyl betaine is a mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, widely used in cleansers and shampoos to provide foaming, cleansing, and viscosity-building properties. It is often combined with harsher surfactants to reduce overall irritation potential.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Often attributed to manufacturing impurities such as amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine rather than the molecule itself. |
| Skin or scalp irritation | Uncommon | Generally mild; more likely with rinse-off products used frequently or on sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or redness on direct contact, relevant in shampoos and facial cleansers. |
| Positive patch test reactions | Rare | Recognized as a contact allergen; was named Allergen of the Year in 2004 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.