Coco Betaine
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 4 Jun 2026
Surfactant derived from coconut oil
EWG Safety Score
What Is Coco Betaine?
Coco betaine is a surface-active agent (also known as a surfactant) derived from coconut oil. It’s useful in skin care and hair care products due to its cleansing and foaming abilities. In hair care specifically, it’s valuable because of its anti-static properties.\n\nThe independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled coco betaine safe as used in cosmetics, where tests found it gentle and non-irritating.\n\nThough coco betaine shares some properties with the similarly named cocoamidapropyl betaine, they are not the same ingredient. Cocamidopropyl betaine is considered milder and is synthetic, while coco-betaine is natural.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
BazEkon, 2011, pages 148-158, ePublication BazEkon, 2011
-
UL Prospector (supplier), Accessed December 2022, ePublication UL Prospector (supplier), 2022
-
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, April 4, 2014, pages 2-23 Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2014
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizRelated Ingredients
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Gentle cleansing ingredient used in face and body washes | Can be naturally derived or synthetic
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Mild cleansing agent derived from coconut oil | Boosts lather and helps thicken skin care formulas
Cocamidopropylamine Oxide
A coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses and conditions in hair and body formulations
Coco-Glucoside
Mixture of a fatty alcohol from coconut oil and the sugar glucose
Coco-Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside
Gentle plant-derived cleansing agents
Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
A conditioning agent derived from wheat protein, used to improve texture and manageability
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.