Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)
The question

Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) safe in facial cleanser?

CautionFacial cleanser

A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in rinse-off cleansers to boost foam and soften the cleansing action of harsher surfactants. Generally safe in rinse-off products, but can contain sensitizing impurities (DMAPA, amidoamine) that cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

What the research flags

  • Skin sensitization from DMAPA and amidoamine impurities during synthesis
  • Eye irritation — avoid contact with eyes
  • Leave-on use limited to 3% due to sensitization risk
  • Contact dermatitis reported in clinical patch-test studies

Regulatory
Known contact sensitizer — CAPB-related compounds cause allergic contact dermatitis

Other facial cleanser ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 22869896
  2. [2]
    DatabaseIngredient database — 701520-COCAMIDOPROPYL_BETAINE
  3. [3]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 9357933

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific facial cleanser product. This is not medical advice.