Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric compound, chemically synthesised in laboratories. It is an ingredient commonly present in many cosmetics and skincare products. Cocamidopropyl betaine uses can significantly improve your skin and hair. It is a surfactant, which makes it interactive with water and enables the molecules present in it to separate from one another. Even though it is produced synthetically, the primary component for manufacturing this compound is a fatty acid extracted from coconut. Hence, many organic products have this ingredient.
Scientific name: Cocamidopropyl dimethylglycine
Formula (Chemical composition): C19H38N2O3
Cocamidopropyl Betaine uses & benefits
The benefits of Cocamidopropyl betaine for skin and hair are plenty. Below are the significant points denoting the CAPB uses:
Cocamidopropyl betaine for hair
- Cocamidopropyl betaine for hair acts as a good cleanser without harming the scalp. It attracts the grease over the scalp and takes it off the surface, helping the follicles to promote hair growth.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine shampoo is a good replacement for the commonly found surfactant, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). SLS as a foaming agent is harsh in nature. It devoids the scalp from the natural moisture and oil produced within the skin. CAPB is milder and acts upon the scalp and hair gently.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine shampoo forms a good lather that engulfs dirt and pollutants adhering to the scalp. When you wash your hair after shampooing with CAPB products, it removes all of the dirt. This makes the hair smooth and shiny.
- There are Cocamidopropyl betaine shampoo cum conditioners, which reduce static in hair and transform your frizzy long locks into soft and manageable ones.
Cocamidopropyl betaine for skin
- As Cocamidopropyl betaine for skin is a surfactant, it enables deep cleaning. It is a lipophilic substance which attracts fatty particles present on the skin. Hence, it takes off all the oily substances and keeps the skin free from dirt.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine uses help in keeping the moisture of the skin intact. It has foaming and thickening properties that help in retaining moisture. The thickening property of the compound helps our skin to get a smooth texture as it helps the product to spread evenly.
- The antiseptic properties make Cocamidopropyl betaine uses fruitful. It is present in many wet wipes and sanitary napkins to inhibit certain microbes from growing on the skin.
- The hydrating property of Cocamidopropyl betaine is the most explored in the skincare industry. This property is essentially a part of the coconut oil from which its precursor is extracted. This property assures plumy skin by keeping it from drying out.
- The vegan formula of CAPB enables the skin to revitalise by decreasing flakiness on the skin.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine in skin care products is very gentle on the skin. This ensures that your skin does not react to the compound.
How to apply/use Cocamidopropyl betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine should be used differently on the hair and skin. You can follow the below-mentioned procedures to get positive outcomes from using the compound.
Cocamidopropyl betaine for hair
- If you want to use Cocamidopropyl shampoo, use it daily to reduce frizziness.
- Firstly, damp your hair and then take quantities of shampoo enough to be distributed all over the head and hair.
- A conditioner containing Cocamidopropyl betaine should always be used after shampooing your hair.
- After washing your shampooed hair apply throughout the strands of your hair. Avoid using it on the scalp. Keep the product on for 5 mins and then rinse it off with normal to lukewarm water.
- When using pure Cocamidopropyl betaine in its purest form, it cleanses your hair gently on daily use.
Cocamidopropyl betaine for skin
- Cocamidopropyl betaine in skin care can be beneficial when you use a cleanser containing this compound.
- Damp your face and take a small amount of Cocamidopropyl cleanser on your palm. In a circular motion apply it throughout the face evenly.
- Wash it off with normal water.
- Repeat this process twice daily to get the desirable outcomes.
Cocamidopropyl betaine Side effects
Several side effects can take place after using Cocamidopropyl betaine on hair and skin.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine allergy symptoms are seen among some people. Allergies to this compound have symptoms like redness and itchiness.
- It is a major irritant for the eyes. The effects can last from hours to days.
- Inflammatory reactions can also happen among people. Cocamidopropyl betaine allergy symptoms also include swelling and burning sensation.
- It can irritate your eye. So, be careful while applying such products.
Precautions while using Cocamidopropyl betaine
Take the following precautionary measures for avoiding any side effects of Cocamidopropyl betaine.
- While using a shampoo with Cocamidopropyl betaine, rinse your scalp properly. If the lather stays on the scalp it may inhibit follicles from allowing hair to grow.
- Get a patch test done before using the product, especially the pure form of Cocamidopropyl betaine. This will help you scrutinise if you have an allergy to the compound.
- While applying it to the face make sure you do not ingest it. Cocamidopropyl betaine is toxic for gastrointestinal health. It may show symptoms like nausea and vomiting if you intake it.
FAQs on Cocamidopropyl betaine
No, Cocamidopropyl is not bad for the hair, rather it is beneficial. It is a surfactant that helps hair to get rid of grease and dirt. It is lipophilic in nature which means it attracts fatty compounds. In doing so, it cleanses the hair effectively.
No, Cocamidopropyl betaine does not contain alcohol but it works well in products containing cetyl alcohol. Several other alcohols can also be beneficial to hair when combined with Cocamidopropyl betaine.
Yes, using Cocamidopropyl betaine for hair care and skincare is safe. It is gentle on the skin and scalp. It enables the skin to breathe free and have proper circulation.
Generally, Cocamidopropyl betaine is used in a blend of many many other compounds. However, using it in its pure form is not harmful to the skin. It is gentler than sodium lauryl sulphate and does not have a harsh impact on either skin or hair.
Both Cocamidopropyl betaine and coco betaine act as surfactants on skin and hair. However, coco betaine is harsh on the skin, unlike Cocamidopropyl betaine. Even though the composition of coco betaine has more natural components, it is a greater irritant than Cocamidopropyl betaine.
Yes, Cocamidopropyl betaine is suitable for any type of skin. It does not harm sensitive skin as it is very mild in nature. The cleansing agent is gentle on the skin and hence, the chance of possible reactions is low.