What is in your soap?

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric synthetic detergent that has been increasingly used in cosmetics and personal hygiene products like (shampoos, contact lens solutions, toothpaste detergents, makeup removers, bath gels, skin care products, cleansers, liquid soaps, antiseptics, and gynecologic)

Because (CAPB) originates from coconut oil, even some personal care products labeled as natural still contain it. CAPB is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products. The name reflects that the major part of the molecule, the lauric acid group, is derived from coconut oil. Cocamidopropyl betaine to a significant degree has replaced cocamide DEA. Although the government regards the ingredient as safe, some people do have negative reactions after exposure to it.

Delayed T-cell-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions to (CAPB) have been reported, and contact sensitization prevalence is estimated at between 3.0 and 7.2%. The increasing rates of sensitization led to (CAPB)'s being named Allergen of the Year in 2004. Related impurities rendered during the manufacturing process (such as amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine) are thought to play a role in sensitization. To sum it up (CAPB) will not give you cancer but if your using a product with this ingredient and you are suffering from skin dermatitis there is a good chance you are allergic to the ingredient cocamidopropyl betaine.