Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CAPB
What it is
An amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA). Used as a co-surfactant, foam stabilizer, and conditioning agent.
In this product: Co-surfactant, foam booster, conditioning agent.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal contact, primarily rinse-off. Sensitization risk is low in the general population but documented in individuals with eczema or compromised skin barrier.
EUROPEAN UNION
Not restricted in EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II or III. SCCS has evaluated sensitization potential; EU Annex III imposes nitrosamine purity controls on amine impurities present in CAPB.
UNITED STATES
Permitted. No FDA restriction. US has no mandatory cosmetic nitrosamine limit equivalent to EU Annex III amine impurity controls.
The evidence
'Recognition of allergy to CAPB-containing products became so prevalent that CAPB was named Contact Allergen of the Year in 2004 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.' Studies confirm DMAPA (manufacturing impurity) as the primary sensitizing agent, not CAPB itself.
review · 2008 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Generally well-tolerated. If you have a documented CAPB sensitivity, look for formulas using glucoside-based surfactants (coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside) as alternatives.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.