Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: N, N-Dimethyl-N-(3-cocamidopropyl)-3-ammonio-2-hydroxypropylsulfonate, CHEMBETAINE CAS SURFACTANT, COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXY SULTAINE
Mild cleansing agent derived from coconut oil | Boosts lather and helps thicken skin care formulas
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine?
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a mild cleansing agent that belongs to a category known as amphoteric surfactants. This type of surfactant has both acid and basic qualities, making it versatile across a wider pH range. It’s considered non-irritating to skin. Although derived from a natural source (coconut oil), cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is considered synthetic. Along with cleansing, it’s also used as a secondary surfactant to boost foaming/lathering properties, to help thicken cosmetics and to improve the stability of cleansers. Usage levels of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine range from 2–11.5% depending on whether it is the primary or secondary surfactant, the chemist’s desired level of cleansing, and if it’s a rinse-off or leave-on product. Leave-on products with this ingredient typically contain 2% or less.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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https://chem.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/rn/68139-30-0
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https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Sultaines.pdf
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Langmuir, April 2021, pages 4,112–4,120 [https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03582]
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Biobased Surfactants, Second Edition, 2019, pages 447–469 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128127056000149]
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Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
A citrus-derived extract with cleansing and conditioning properties
Cocamidopropyl Betainamide Mea Chloride
A coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses and stabilises foam in formulations
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Gentle cleansing ingredient used in face and body washes | Can be naturally derived or synthetic
Cocamidopropylamine Oxide
A coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses and conditions in hair and body formulations
Coco Betaine
Surfactant derived from coconut oil
Coco-Glucoside
Mixture of a fatty alcohol from coconut oil and the sugar glucose
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