cocamidopropyl

Cocamidopropyl is a chemical moiety derived from coconut oil used as a building block in a family of surfactants. It is produced by reacting fatty acid components from coconut with dimethylaminopropylamine to form a linking group that can be incorporated into larger surfactant molecules.

In cosmetics and personal care products, derivatives based on the cocamidopropyl group are common amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants. The best-known example is cocamidopropyl betaine, a mild cleansing agent used for its foaming properties and acceptable skin feel. Other cocamidopropyl derivatives, such as cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and related compounds, are also used to adjust surfactant performance, often contributing to gentler cleansing formulations in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.

Properties and use: The cocamidopropyl moiety contributes both hydrophobic and hydrophilic character, enabling surfactants to lower surface tension, generate foam, and improve wetting. These ingredients are valued for being milder than some anionic surfactants and for helping stabilize formulas.

Safety and regulation: As with many cosmetic surfactants, cocamidopropyl-based ingredients can carry trace impurities, including certain amines, which in rare cases may cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Manufacturers typically monitor and minimize these impurities, and products containing cocamidopropyl derivatives are generally considered safe at conventional use levels when properly formulated. Consumers with sensitive skin may wish to patch-test products containing these ingredients.