Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Mild surfactant · INCI: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Reviewed by Elysiana Aguilar, master esthetician
How we read it
Not a pore-clogger. Considered safe for acne-prone skin.
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine comedogenic?
No. Cocamidopropyl Betaine isn't considered pore-clogging, and we read it as safe to use on acne-prone skin. That doesn't make it right for everyone, but congestion isn't the thing to watch for with it.
Why we read it this way
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a supporting cleanser derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil, usually added beside a stronger surfactant to build lather and soften the wash. It dissolves in water and leaves with the rinse. We read it as not pore-clogging.
The nuance
It is a recognized contact allergen for some people, and that tends to show as redness or itching around the eyes, hairline and neck. An allergic reaction is a different question from whether an ingredient blocks a pore.
Where it shows up
Shampoos, body washes, foaming face washes, hand soaps and bubble baths, where it often sits high on the label just behind the main cleanser.
Related ingredients
One ingredient rarely tells the whole story. The acne ingredient checker reads everything in a product at once, and there is more on what comedogenic means. Also in the guides: The types of acne lesions.