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.
Quick facts about Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Low Risk
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Surfactants
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
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
Other surfactants to know
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.
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated May 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.