Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is an amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant commonly used in cleansers and shampoos (often a few percent up to ~10%) to boost foam and reduce harshness versus anionic surfactants, but it can still disrupt the stratum corneum and sting compromised skin with frequent exposure. Patch-test/clinical experience shows it is generally better tolerated than harsher surfactants, yet irritant reactions (and occasional allergy related to surfactant impurities in this class) do occur, especially in eczema-prone or barrier-impaired patients. Given typical rinse-off use but real-world cumulative exposure in routines, a mild irritancy score best fits patient-safety expectations. Safety Notes: Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is an amphoteric/zwitterionic co-surfactant most often used in rinse-off cleansing products; at the low end (~0.2–1%) it appears in very mild baby/sensitive-skin cleansers and as a foam booster/irritancy reducer alongside other surfactants. In mainstream facial/body washes and shampoos it commonly sits in the mid single-digits, while high-foam, sulfate-free or “extra gentle” cleanser bases and concentrated surfactant systems sold to consumers can reach ~10–18% active to build viscosity, mildness, and foam without anionics. Levels this high are generally limited to rinse-off formulations due to leave-on sensory/irritation constraints and the ingredient’s role as a primary/secondary surfactant.