Ingredient glossary
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
On your shelf ✓What Cocamidopropyl Betaine does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Cocamidopropyl Betaine · Also: CAPB
In short: Cocamidopropyl Betaine delivers cleansing and mildness, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Cleansing, mildness
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Moderate
The Glow take
Nice to have, and nothing to overthink.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine plays a quiet supporting role, rounding out a formula rather than being the reason you buy it.
— Maya
What it does
- cleansing
- mildness
- viscosity control
moderate evidenceLarge patch-test series and reviews show low true sensitization rates with most positive reactions linked to manufacturing impurities like amidoamine and DMAPA while purified CAPB is generally well tolerated.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- oily
- combo
- sensitive
Approach with care
- capb allergy
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: capb allergy.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- nonionic surfactants
- fatty alcohols
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, answered
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid Cocamidopropyl Betaine?
Approach Cocamidopropyl Betaine with care if any of these apply to you: capb allergy. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Cocamidopropyl Betaine actually works?
Its concentration is rarely printed on the label, so use the ingredient list as your clue: near the top third it is likely doing real work, near the bottom it is more of a sprinkle.
During pregnancy
Treat Cocamidopropyl Betaine as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
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