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Answer: Cocamidopropyl Betaine is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, Johnson's Baby Shampoo.
TL;DR: Cocamidopropyl Betaine is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE. Also called CAPB. CAS 61789-40-0.
Other names: CAPB, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Aveeno Gentle Moisturizing Facial Cleanser |
| CAS number | 61789-40-0 |
Cocamidopropyl betaine is an amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. It serves as both a primary and secondary surfactant and is known for being gentler than traditional sulfate surfactants. It also has antistatic and conditioning properties.
CAPB is used to boost foam, reduce irritation of sulfate-based formulas, condition hair, and increase product viscosity. It is a key component of 'gentle' and 'baby' cleansers.
CAPB itself is well-tolerated by most people. However, it was named Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2004, indicating it can cause contact allergic reactions in a subset of sensitized individuals. The sensitizer is typically not CAPB itself but trace impurities from manufacturing (amidoamine or 3-dimethylaminopropylamine). High-purity CAPB has a very low sensitization rate. It is not a carcinogen or endocrine disruptor. The CIR concluded CAPB is safe for cosmetic use.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Cocamidopropyl Betainewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Sodium cocoyl glutamate or sodium cocoamphoacetate for highly sensitive individuals.
Generally yes — CAPB is considered one of the gentler surfactants available. However, a small number of people are contact-allergic to CAPB or its impurities, so those with known surfactant allergies should patch-test products.
CAPB is derived from coconut oil but requires significant chemical processing, so it is semi-synthetic. It cannot be considered 'natural' by most organic certification standards.
No. There is no credible evidence linking CAPB to cancer. It has been reviewed by the CIR and found safe at cosmetic use levels.
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