Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine

• Derived from: Coconut
• Pronunciation: (Coca mydo \ˈprō-pəl\ \hī-ˌdräk-sē\ SUL tayne)

What Is Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine?

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine vs Cocamidopropyl Betaine

While both cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and cocamidopropyl betaine are used similarly as surfactants, the chemical makeup of “coco betaine” is known to be slightly more irritating to skin.

How Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Is Made

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, a supplier has reported that this ingredient is produced by reacting an inorganic salt with chlorinated epoxide. The resulting intermediate is next reacted with amine. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the process undergoes quality control and final adjustments to yield the standard product.[5]

What Does Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Do?

In hair care and skin care, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is primarily used as a conditioning agent. It can also be used to thicken a wide variety of cleaning and personal care products as well as increase foaming properties and reduce static. [6] while remaining stable at a wide range of pH levels.

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Uses

Discover the variety of uses and applications of this ingredient.

• Hair and Skincare

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is found in hundreds of products like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, bubble bath, facial cleansers, and hand soap.[1]

• Cleaning Products

The ingredient can be found in cleaning products since it also works as an effective, mild detergent when combined with anionic surfactants and soaps.

Is Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Safe?

Common Concerns

• Cancer: Low risk
• Allergies and Immunotoxicity: Low risk
• Development and Reproductive Toxicity: Low risk
• Use Restrictions: Low

• Health Safety

Whole Foods has deemed the ingredient acceptable in its body care quality standards.[7] There is a possibility of eye irritation if the ingredient comes into direct contact with eyes, but that is unlikely if the product maintains a safe concentration of up to 11.5%. 

• Environmental Impact

The ingredient is biodegradable and has little potential for bioaccumulation.

Products That Contain Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine

The ingredient can be found in the following products:

• Shampoo
• Body Wash
• Facial Cleanser
• Hand Soap
• Conditioner
• Bubble Bath
• Baby Shampoo
• Exfoliant
• Hair Dye
• Bath Oil
• Make Up Remover
• Toothpaste
• Shaving Cream

Sources

[1] Environmental Working Group
[2] OMICS International
[3] University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources
[4] U.S. National Plant Germplasm System
[5] Cosmetic Ingredient Review
[6] OMICS International
[7] Whole Foods Market