Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)
كوكاميدوبروبيل بيتايين
Surfactant · INCI: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
The verdict
A mild coconut surfactant — but a known contact allergen for some.
What it is
A coconut-derived mild co-surfactant.
A gentle, foam-boosting surfactant used to soften harsher ones — generally mild, BUT it's a recognized contact allergen (named Allergen of the Year in 2004). The sensitization is usually traced to manufacturing impurities (amidoamine/DMAPA) rather than the molecule itself. Fine for most; relevant if you're prone to reactions.
Evidence & status
IARC carcinogen group
not_classified
EU status
Not regulated under Reg (EC) 1223/2009 — general cleansing use; CIR-reviewed.
US · FDA status
surfactant; CIR-reviewed
Halal status: halal
Often coconut/palm-derived; halal — confirm no animal-derived fatty acids if strict.
Also known as
CAPB
Primary source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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