Good Cosmetic Ingredient Sensitization Data Dermal Penetration

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)

INCI: COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE

CAS Number
61789-40-0 (also 86438-79-1)
Function
Surfactant — cleansing; foam boosting; viscosity controlling; antistatic; hair conditioning
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 3% active in leave-on products
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes FDA permitted; CIR reviewed — safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing based on QRA

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
moderate
Allergen Class
surfactant
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
3.0%
Cross-reactivity Group
amidoamine-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis

Source: NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
6-12%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
342.5 Da
Log P
0.5
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
4-10%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation

Source: CIR

Expert Verdict

Sensitization risk derives from DMAPA and amidoamine impurities rather than CAPB itself; maximum 3% active in leave-on products and 10% in rinse-off formulations; mild eye irritation at concentrations above 4.5% active; manufacturers must control impurity levels and conduct quantitative risk assessment.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) safe in cosmetics?

Sensitization risk derives from DMAPA and amidoamine impurities rather than CAPB itself; maximum 3% active in leave-on products and 10% in rinse-off formulations; mild eye irritation at concentrations above 4.5% active; manufacturers must control impurity levels and conduct quantitative risk assessment. The EU classifies Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) allowed in the EU?

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 3% active in leave-on products. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) do in cosmetics?

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) functions as: Surfactant — cleansing; foam boosting; viscosity controlling; antistatic; hair conditioning. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 61789-40-0 (also 86438-79-1).

What is the Margin of Safety for Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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