Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Cocamidopropyl Betaine is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
INCI name COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE. Also called CAPB. CAS 61789-40-0.
Other names: CAPB, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine banned in the EU?
| 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 |
What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine?
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.
Why is Cocamidopropyl Betaine used in personal-care products?
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.
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine dangerous? Documented risks
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.
Products that may contain Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Suave Professionals Smoothing ShampooSuave
- Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean ShampooPantene
- Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect ShampooPantene
- Head & Shoulders Classic Clean ShampooHead & Shoulders
- Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care ShampooHead & Shoulders
- Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Argan Oil ShampooHerbal Essences
- Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing ShampooHerbal Essences
- Suave Naturals Coconut ShampooSuave
How to avoid Cocamidopropyl Betaine: safer alternatives
Sodium cocoyl glutamate or sodium cocoamphoacetate for highly sensitive individuals.
Frequently asked questions about Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Is cocamidopropyl betaine safe for sensitive skin?
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.
Is CAPB natural?
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.
Does CAPB cause cancer?
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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Sources
- Amended Safety Assessment of Cocamidopropyl Betaine — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Cocamidopropyl Betaine — Environmental Working Group
- Contact allergens: cocamidopropyl betaine — PubMed/NCBI
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.