Ingredient guide ›

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

A foam maker from coconut.

What it does

Helps make lather and lifts away dirt and oil. It also conditions hair and helps thicken the formula.

Good to know

Made using fatty acids from coconut oil and found in most shampoos and shower gels. Dermatologists named it Contact Allergen of the Year in 2004, so sensitive skin may react.

Often found in: Shower gels, Shampoos, Anti-dandruff shampoos

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Cocamidopropyl betaine: Contact Allergen of the Year (Dermatitis, 2004) (Medical)
• CIR: Final report on cocamidopropyl betaine (2012) (Industry-funded)