Discussion of Cocamidopropyl betaine

surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine.[1] It is a zwitterionic

chemical compound with a quaternary ammonium cation. It is a viscous pale yellow transparent

liquid and is used as a surfactant in bath products such as shampoos and hand soaps, and in

cosmetics as an emulsifying agent and thickener, and to reduce irritation purely ionic

surfactants would cause. It also serves as an antistatic agent in hair conditioners.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a derivate of cocamide

and glycine betaine (a form of betaine). See cocamide for the discussion of the length of carbon

chain in the molecule.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a medium strength surfactant which most often does not irritate skin or

mucous membranes. That said, some studies indicate it is an allergen.[2][3][4] It also has

antiseptic properties, making it suitable for personal sanitary products. It is compatible with

other cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants.

Cocamidopropyl betaine to a significant degree has replaced cocamide DEA. Cocamidopropyl betaine

is the active ingredient in Johnson & Johnson's Baby wash.