Ingredient decoded

Cocamidopropyl betaine

A surfactant that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can rinse away. It is different from Betaine, the ingredient seen in some hydrating essences and toners.

Cleansing surfactant

Chemical structure: Lauramidopropyl betaine — Lauramidopropyl betaine · representative component; fatty chains vary
Reference

First things first: what is it?

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a cleansing surfactant, often abbreviated CAPB.

What does it do?

Cleansing and foam

It helps water mix with oil and dirt, and can boost foam in a cleanser.

Science or just a good story?

Its cleansing role is documented. Manufacturing impurities have been associated with contact allergy in some people.

Anything to keep in mind?

Some people have contact allergy associated with CAPB or its manufacturing impurities.

Spot it on the label

Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Betaine are not the same ingredient.

So, is it a useful ingredient?

A common cleanser ingredient. A known CAPB-related allergy needs individual attention rather than a universal bad-ingredient label.

Common product types

cleanser

Sources

Cosmetics Info: Cocamidopropyl BetaineChecked 2026-10-05