Cocamidopropyl betaine in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Cocamidopropyl betaine is flagged by Olive Detective as a low concern in cosmetics. Mild surfactant; a notable contact allergen (impurities). The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on ACDS “Allergen of the Year” 2004 — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- Allergen — a recognised contact-allergy or sensitisation risk.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on cocamidopropyl betaine.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is yellow, so it does not cap a product's score by itself.
Source: ACDS “Allergen of the Year” 2004
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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