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COCO/OLEAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE.

Valuable CAS 86438-79-1 / ANTISTATIC, CLEANSING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

COCO/OLEAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, celebrated for its mild cleansing, foam-boosting, and conditioning capabilities. It effectively reduces surface tension, enabling it to lift and remove impurities from the skin and hair without stripping natural oils. This versatile ingredient is a key component in numerous rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic formulations.

surfactant/cleansing antistatic foam boosting hair conditioning skin conditioning viscosity controlling

Science

As an amphoteric surfactant, COCO/OLEAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE possesses both positively and negatively charged molecular components, which allows it to efficiently lower the surface tension of liquids. This property facilitates the emulsification of water with oils and dirt, enabling thorough cleansing by lifting impurities from the skin and hair. Furthermore, it functions as a robust foam booster, generating a rich and stable lather, acts as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-water mixtures, and controls product viscosity for a desirable texture. It also imparts a conditioning effect, promoting softer skin and smoother hair, and exhibits antistatic properties.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 3–30%
Optimal

3%

Key findings

  1. 01 Considered safe for use in leave-on cosmetic products, demonstrating a margin of safety exceeding 100.
  2. 02 Considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products, exhibiting a margin of safety greater than 100.
  3. 03 Approved for cosmetic applications to achieve effective surfactant function while minimizing the potential for skin irritation.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

COCO/OLEAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE serves as a liquid surfactant and formulation aid, not typically an active ingredient that is 'dusted' in powder form. Its concentration is critical for functional performance and safety within a liquid matrix rather than for issues associated with low-concentration active powders.


The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal pH for formulation compatibility and performance ranges from 5.5 to 7.5. The ingredient maintains stability across a wide pH spectrum, with acidic conditions enhancing conditioning benefits and alkaline pH improving cleansing efficiency. It is robust under normal manufacturing temperatures and storage, with minimal degradation from light exposure.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants
  • Nonionic surfactants
  • Cationic surfactants (with careful pH adjustment)
  • Preservative systems
  • Botanical extracts
  • Active ingredients

Conflicts

  • strong acids
  • strong bases
  • strong oxidizers (for storage/handling)
  • cationic ingredients (requires careful pH adjustment)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
30%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded COCO/OLEAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing, with maximum concentrations of 6% in leave-on and 30% in rinse-off products. While the FDA permits its use without restrictions, historical concerns regarding skin and eye irritation, and allergic reactions (leading to its 2004 'Allergen of the Year' designation), are largely attributed to manufacturing impurities like dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) rather than the highly purified ingredient itself. It is not recommended for prolonged leave-on applications to avoid potential irritation.


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Valuable

COCO/OLEAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is a valuable amphoteric surfactant for its mild yet effective cleansing, foam-boosting, and conditioning properties, suitable for all skin types when highly purified and used within recommended concentrations.


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