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Moumoujus

CAPRYL/CAPRAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE.

Valuable / ANTISTATIC, CLEANSING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

A sophisticated, ultra-mild amphoteric surfactant designed to lift impurities while preserving the delicate skin barrier. Unlike harsher cleansing agents, it excels at balancing effective purification with a gentle touch, making it a cornerstone for high-performance sensitive skin formulations.

Summary

surfactant cleansing agent viscosity modifier mildness enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating as a zwitterionic molecule, it carries both positive and negative charges to reduce surface tension and emulsify lipids and debris. Beyond simple cleansing, it serves as a 'mildness enhancer' by integrating with anionic surfactants to form larger mixed micelles, effectively preventing them from penetrating and irritating the epidermal layers.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1.7–3%
Optimal

2%

Key findings

  1. 01 A clinical maximization study on 26 subjects confirmed that a 1.72% active concentration produced zero instances of irritation or sensitization.
  2. 02 Dermal and ocular Draize testing at 2.0% demonstrated superior mildness and lower irritation potential compared to traditional alkyl-sulfate surfactants.
  3. 03 Concentrated animal models (5.0%) showed slight reactivity, though the ingredient remains exceptionally well-tolerated when diluted in finished formulations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
1%
Red flag below
0.5%

Because it is often used as a secondary surfactant to boost foam quality or mitigate irritation from other cleansers, it is rarely 'dusted.' However, concentrations below 0.5% in a primary cleanser may be insufficient to provide meaningful skin-barrier protection.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains high stability across diverse pH levels; however, aesthetic clarity and foam density are most optimized between pH 5.0 and 6.0.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants (SLS/SLES)
  • Non-ionic surfactants
  • Glycerin

Conflicts

  • High concentrations of strong anionics (may cause cloudiness)
  • Specific cationic polymers (risk of precipitation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
3%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

The 3.0% cap applies specifically to leave-on products to ensure manufacturing byproducts (amidoamine/DMAPA) remain below sensitization thresholds. It is considered safe and non-irritating for rinse-off applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An exceptionally mild and reliable co-surfactant that provides effective cleansing while actively shielding the skin from the irritation potential of harsher detergents.

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References

Sources