Cocamidopropyl betaine: Functions, safety concerns, and potential adverse reactions
News Article: A Closer Look at Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) in Personal Care Products
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), a common ingredient in personal care products and household cleaners, has been gaining attention due to its moderate environmental impact and potential effects on human health.
CAPB, a mixture of fatty acids from coconut oil and propylene glycol, a synthetic compound, is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down in the environment and is less likely to accumulate or cause long-term pollution[1]. However, the production process of CAPB involves chemicals that can be harmful if not managed properly, so sustainable manufacturing practices are crucial to reduce environmental harm[1].
Compared to harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), CAPB is milder on the skin and generally considered more environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable and less irritating[1]. This makes CAPB a preferred surfactant for personal care products seeking gentler and more eco-conscious ingredients.
However, it is difficult to know which products do not contain the impurities that cause allergic reactions to CAPB[2]. Allergic reactions may be caused by impurities from the manufacturing process, specifically amidoamines and 3,3-dimethylaminopropylamine[3]. People with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, may be sensitive to CAPB[4]. If eye irritation from CAPB-containing products does not resolve, it is important to seek medical attention[6].
Some individuals may experience skin-related side effects after using CAPB, such as skin discomfort[3]. It is best to perform a patch test before applying any new product containing CAPB to a large area of the skin[7]. People who are sensitive to CAPB or its impurities may wish to avoid using products that list it as an ingredient[8].
In the quest for safer alternatives for personal care products, brands and formulators are increasingly choosing:
- Secondary surfactants derived from natural sources (e.g., coconut-based), which are gentle on skin and respectful of aquatic ecosystems[5].
- Surfactants and ingredients meeting strict safety, biodegradability, and sustainability criteria like ISO 16128 standards, avoiding substances with cumulative toxicity, bioaccumulation, or ecological disruption risks[5].
- Ingredients that comply with precautionary principles to exclude known or potential endocrine disruptors, sensitizers, or persistent environmental toxins[5].
CAPB helps create a rich lather in shampoos and body washes. However, it may be used in products that claim to be "natural" or "eco-friendly" through greenwashing[9]. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that CAPB is not linked to cancer, developmental toxicity, or reproductive toxicity, but there is concern about skin sensitization through contact[3]. CAPB may have a negative impact on aquatic life, but a 2013 aquatic risk assessment found it safe for the aquatic environment[10].
More research is necessary to understand whether CAPB is harmful to the environment and, if so, how harmful it is[11]. In the meantime, consumers can make informed choices by reading product labels, performing patch tests, and considering alternatives that align with their values and health concerns.
[1] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Retrieved from https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si/chemical.cfm?id=400095 [2] American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS). (2020). Contact Allergens 2020. Retrieved from https://www.acds.net/contact-allergens [3] Environmental Working Group (EWG). (2021). Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703298-COCAMIDOPROPYL_BETAINE/ [4] National Eczema Association (NEA). (2021). Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/atopic-dermatitis/ [5] Cosmetics Europe. (2021). Surfactants. Retrieved from https://cosmeticseurope.eu/sustainability/sustainability-initiatives/surfactants/ [6] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20367982 [7] American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). (2021). Patch Testing. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/patch-testing [8] Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (2021). Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703298-COCAMIDOPROPYL_BETAINE/ [9] Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (2021). Green Guides: Making Environmental Claims. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/green-guides [10] United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (2013). Aquatic Risk Assessment for Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAS No. 61788-58-9). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/waterscience/publications/aquatic-risk-assessment-cocamidopropyl-betaine-cocamidopropyl-betaine-cas-no-61788 [11] International Joint Commission (IJC). (2013). Aquatic Risk Assessment for Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Retrieved from https://ijc.org/en/publications/aquatic-risk-assessment-cocamidopropyl-betaine
- In the realm of skincare and dermatology, consumers have growing concerns about the potential health effects of certain ingredients, such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), a common ingredient in many personal care products.
- Research suggests that people with atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, may be sensitive to CAPB, and some individuals may experience skin discomfort or allergic reactions after using products containing it.
- Brands and formulators in the health-and-wellness and skin-care industries are increasingly seeking alternatives to CAPB, such as secondary surfactants derived from natural sources, to create personal care products that are both gentle on the skin and respectful of the environment.
