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COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE

Last update on Mar 3, 2026

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a surfactant derived from coconut oil. It also works as a foam enhancer and is used in numerous personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, mouthwashes, cleansers, etc. It contains a mixture of fatty acids from coconut oil and propylene glycol. CAPB is used in personal care products to clean the skin and hair as it lifts and removes oil from them. CAPB is a milder surfactant than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

CAS Number: 61789-40-0Chem/IUPAC Name: 2-[3-(dodecanoylamino)propyl-dimethylazaniumyl]acetateEINECS/ELINCS No: 263-058-8COSING REF No: 75231

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What is COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE used for?

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is used in many personal care and household products as a surfactant, foam enhancer, and thickening agent.

  • Skin care: As a medium-strength surfactant in bath and body products, removing oil from the skin. It is used as a foam enhancer in body washes and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics
  • Hair care: It eliminates oil from hair. Cocamidopropyl betaine in shampoos works as a foam booster and creates a rich lather after coming in contact with water. It adds viscosity to hair conditioners and makes them creamier and richer. It also serves as an antistatic agent in hair conditioners

Origin

Cocamidopropyl betaine is produced in a two-step manner, first, by reacting dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) with fatty acids from coconut or palm kernel oil. The more reactive primary amine from DMAPA leads to the selective formation of amide. In the second step, chloroacetic acid reacts with the remaining tertiary amine to form a quaternary ammonium center.

What does COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE do in a formulation?

ANTISTATIC|
CLEANSING|
FOAM BOOSTING|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
SURFACTANT|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Safety Profile

With proper use, products containing CAPB are safe for most individuals. CAPB is a mild ingredient that manufacturers may include in products for babies and infants. It has a low hazard rating from EWG (typically 1-5) due to occasional reports of allergic contact dermatitis (linked to impurities like amidoamine or DMAPA in older grades). Modern high-purity grades show very low sensitization potential and are well-tolerated at typical concentrations (5-30%). However, it is not suitable for products that remain on the skin. Leaving Cocamidopropyl betaine on the skin may result in irritation. 

COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE alternatives

COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE technical profile

PropertyValues
Boiling Point>100°C
Melting Point>100°C
SolubilitySoluble in water
Viscosity<100 cP at 30°C