CAPB
What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)?
Cocamidopropyl betaine was voted 2004 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
Unfortunately, despite this dubious award it is still used as the principle ingredient in several leading shampoos including baby shampoos. Cocamidopropyl betaine is used as a foam booster in shampoos and liquid soaps. It is a medium strength surfactant also used in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent and thickener.
As consumers, we expect our shampoos and cleansers to be rich, thick and foamy and so some manufacturers add these ingredients simply to meet that expectation.
Check the label of any of your existing products to see if they contain cocamidopropyl betaine as an ingredient.
Skin hypersensitivity – What the experts say:
“Cases of CAPB allergy emerged as early as 1983, and in 1997. Most cases of ACD have been reported in association with CAPB-based shampoos, liquid soaps, body wash gels. The ACDS designated CAPB as the 2004 Allergen of the Year. CAPB has recently been noted to be an important allergen in persons with atopic skin disease"
American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) report
Why exederm does NOT contain Cocamidopropyl betaine ingredients
Our concern is simply that these ingredients are too irritant for sensitive or reactive skin. We believe that the advice of the American Contact Dermatitis Society is worth following, that’s why we avoid cocamidopropyl betaine
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