Surfactants

Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: CAPB

An amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut. Used as a milder co-surfactant to soften the harshness of stronger cleansing agents.

Comedogenic

0/5

Safe

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

2/5

Low Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Surfactants

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

CAPB

Quick verdict

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and low risk irritancy (2/5). An amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut. Used as a milder co-surfactant to soften the harshness of stronger cleansing agents.

What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine?

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids. 'Amphoteric' means the molecule carries both positive and negative charges and can behave as either an acid or a base — this property makes it gentler on the skin than purely anionic surfactants like SLS. CAPB is most often used as a co-surfactant: paired with a stronger surfactant to soften its harshness and boost foam.

Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin

Cocamidopropyl betaine is rated 0/5 comedogenic. It is a wash-off ingredient with very brief skin contact.

Benefits for skin

Boosts foam without harshness
Reduces overall surfactant irritation
Generally well-tolerated

Potential side effects & who should avoid it

CAPB has a 2/5 irritancy rating. A small but documented percentage of users develop a contact allergy, often traced to manufacturing impurities (3-dimethylaminopropylamine and amidoamine) rather than CAPB itself. Reputable brands now use higher-purity CAPB to minimise this risk.

Best for

All skin types

Avoid if

Documented CAPB allergy

How to use Cocamidopropyl Betaine safely

No special precautions for most users. If you develop a rash or itching from a new shampoo or face wash, CAPB is one of the more common causes — patch test alternatives or consult a dermatologist for allergen testing.

Commonly found in

Cocamidopropyl betaine is in shampoos, body washes, foaming face washes and gentle cleansers — especially those marketed as 'sulfate-free'.

Found Cocamidopropyl Betaine in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is cocamidopropyl betaine comedogenic?

No — 0/5.

Is CAPB safe for sensitive skin?

Yes for most. A small minority develop contact allergy.

Can I use CAPB every day?

Yes, unless you develop an allergic reaction.

Is CAPB the same as SLS?

No — CAPB is much milder and is often used to soften the harshness of SLS or SLES.

Other surfactants to know

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

A harsh anionic surfactant that produces dramatic foam. Strips the skin barrier and worsens conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

An ethoxylated surfactant — milder than SLS but still potentially drying. Common in shampoos and body washes.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Sources

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.