CAPB (COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE)
Commonly Found In
Overview
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE (CAPB) is an amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. It is widely used as a secondary surfactant in personal care formulations to enhance foam quality, reduce irritation from primary anionic surfactants, and provide mild cleansing. CAPB carries both positive and negative charges, making it compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants.
Also known as: CAPB, Coco Betaine, Tegobetaine L7, Mirataine JCHA
Key Benefits
CAPB functions primarily as a mild cleansing agent and foam booster. Studies suggest it is significantly less irritating than anionic surfactants like SLS, and clinical evidence indicates it may help reduce the irritation potential of co-formulated anionic surfactants when used at a ratio of approximately 1:3 (CAPB:SLES). It does not provide substantive skin-conditioning effects beyond gentle cleansing.
Supporting Research
- β’ CIR Expert Panel (2012) β safety assessment confirming CAPB safety and mildness profile
- β’ Burnett et al. (2012) β updated CIR assessment of CAPB in rinse-off cosmetics (Int J Toxicol)
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; widely used in gentle and sensitive skin cleansers
Source: CIR Expert Panel; cosmetic dermatology consensus
Irritancy Rating
Generally mild; however, some contact sensitization cases reported, often attributed to manufacturing impurities (DMAPA, amidoamine) rather than CAPB itself. Selected as Contact Allergen of the Year 2004 by ACDS.
Source: CIR Expert Panel; contact allergy literature
Typical Use Concentration
Range
1β5%
Optimal
2β4%
Used at 2β5% in shampoos, 2β4% in body washes, 1β3% in facial cleansers, 1β2% in baby shampoos.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Amphoteric surfactant compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. Standard co-surfactant at 3:1 (SLES:CAPB) ratio in cleansers. DMAPA impurity levels should be <50 ppm (high quality <10 ppm) to minimize sensitization risk.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
CAPB is permitted in all major markets without specific concentration restrictions for rinse-off products. The CIR and EU SCCS have both assessed it as safe. No major cross-market divergence. The 2004 'Contact Allergen of the Year' designation raised consumer awareness but was not accompanied by regulatory restrictions.
Regulation Analysis
Category Comparison
98% of SURFACTANT - CLEANSING ingredients (186 of 190) are banned in the EU, but this one is approved.
πΏ Natural Sources
CAPB is derived from coconut fatty acids (Cocos nucifera), which contain approximately 48% lauric acid (C12), 19% myristic acid (C14), 9% palmitic acid (C16), and smaller amounts of other fatty acids. The coconut oil provides the fatty acid portion, while the betaine structure requires synthetic dimethylaminopropylamine. While coconut-derived, CAPB cannot exist in nature without chemical synthesis of the betaine quaternary structure.
π How It's Made
CAPB is synthesized through a two-step process: (1) Amidation: Coconut fatty acids react with dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) at 160-180Β°C to form cocamidopropyl dimethylamine (an intermediate). This reaction removes water and creates an amide bond. (2) Quaternization: The tertiary amine intermediate is reacted with sodium monochloroacetate (or sodium chloroacetate) at 50-70Β°C in aqueous solution. This converts the tertiary amine to a quaternary ammonium betaine structure. The reaction must be carefully controlled to minimize residual DMAPA, which is a known sensitizer. Unreacted DMAPA can undergo oxidation during storage to form amidoamine (AA) and dimethylaminopropylamine oxide (DMAPAO), which are the primary allergens associated with CAPB. High-quality CAPB contains <50 ppm DMAPA. Some manufacturers use a proprietary 'low-free-amine' process to further reduce these impurities to <10 ppm.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in shampoos (2-5%), body washes (2-4%), facial cleansers (1-3%), baby shampoos (1-2%), and hand soaps (2-4%). A gentle cleaning ingredient derived from coconut oil that produces a rich, creamy foam. Commonly found in 'sulfate-free' and 'gentle' cleansing products.
π¬ Other Applications
CAPB is used in industrial and institutional cleaning products, particularly in food service and healthcare settings where skin mildness is important. It serves as a detergent in carpet shampoos, car wash formulations, and pet shampoos (where tear-free properties are valued). In agriculture, CAPB is used as an adjuvant in pesticide formulations to improve wetting and spreading. The oil and gas industry employs CAPB in drilling fluids and enhanced oil recovery formulations due to its stability across wide pH ranges and electrolyte compatibility. It is also used in metal cleaning and electroplating baths where foaming control and corrosion inhibition are needed. The global CAPB market was approximately 120,000 metric tons in 2020.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Despite being made from coconut oil, most natural/organic certifications don't consider it 'natural' due to the chemical processing involved
- β’ One of the most commonly used surfactants in 'sulfate-free' shampoos and 'gentle' cleansers
- β’ Named 2004 Contact Allergen of the Year β though allergic reactions are often caused by manufacturing impurities, not the ingredient itself
Data Sources
- β’ CIR Expert Panel Final Report on cocamidopropyl betaine (2012)
- β’ EU CosIng database
- β’ ACDS Contact Allergen of the Year 2004
- β’ Burnett et al., Int J Toxicol 2012;31(4 Suppl):77S-111S
Last data verification: 2026-04-12
Related Ingredients
COCAMIDE DEA
SLES
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
LANOLINAMIDE DEA
Tween 20
POLYSORBATE 20
Tween 80
POLYSORBATE 80
ALUMINUM STEARATE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE used for in cosmetics?
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is primarily used for surfactant - cleansing in cosmetic products. It also serves as surfactant - foam boosting, antistatic. The ingredient is commonly found in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
Which countries regulate COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE?
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is approved for cosmetic use in all major markets: EU, JP, US, UK, KR, with no significant restrictions.
Where can I find official regulation information about COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE?
Official information about COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE regulations can be found on government websites: EU CosIng database, US FDA Cosmetics page, Japan MHLW cosmetics standards, UK Government cosmetics guidance, and Korea MFDS. Always verify regulatory status with these official sources before making formulation decisions.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.