Absolutely natural cosmetic products exist only under the condition of their own manufacture from biologically pure plant materials. All the others must have some kind of chemical element in their composition . The quality of cosmetics is how harmless its constituents are. Recently, many manufacturers of hygiene products are increasingly using cocamidopropyl betaine. What properties are not attributed to this ingredient - from healing wounds to cancer-causing! Let's try to figure it out.
What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A substance with such a tricky name is a liquid mass obtained from coconut oil, more precisely, from its fatty acids (lauric, palmitic, myristic and others), and is a derivative of simpler substances - cocamide and betaine glycine. Chemical and physical properties of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
- amphoteric substance, that is, under some conditions it can act as an acid, and under others it can act as an alkali;
- color - from yellow to milky white;
- the smell is almost not felt;
- pH 5.5, but can be up to 4.5;
- surface-active substance (surfactant) - concentrates on the surface of liquid media and reduces surface tension ;
- acidity 6 in a 10% solution;
- easily combined with other surfactants, can act as a base
Beneficial features
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is designed to gently cleanse hair and skin. Its molecules easily stick together with exfoliating particles of the scalp and body, with fatty components and the smallest fragments of dirt, and then simply rinse off with water. Together with anionic ingredients, the surfactant acts as a thickener and improves foaming. Foam with this component becomes thicker and lasts longer. For hair cocamidopropyl betaine is not only an excellent cleaner, but also a conditioner. It provides ease of combing, prevents electrification, and when used with other additives, the surfactant category reduces their irritating effect on the skin.
Where applicable
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is most used in cosmetics. This element has also found application in medicine - as a thickener of ointments. This ingredient is part of these products:
- shampoos;
- body gels;
- foaming bath products;
- liquid soap for hands;
- baby skin cleansers;
- conditioners and hair balms;
- toothpastes, gels, powders;
- lotions;
- creams and gels for washing.
As an additive used in detergents, washing and cleaning products; in the production of solid lump soap.
Usually cocamidopropyl betaine in the main substance is contained in a volume of 47-48%, but sometimes its minimum amount is about 2%. It can be used in detergents as the only surface-active ingredient, and can act as an additive to other surfactants to soften their action and improve the characteristics of the product.
Negative consequences
To date, there is no unequivocal opinion on whether Cocamidopropyl Betaine is harmful. Like any other chemical substance, this ingredient can cause local skin irritation, manifested in redness, peeling, increased itching, rashes. But such reactions are observed only in people suffering from allergies, or in those whose body does not perceive this component well. Everyone else uses shampoos, conditioners, balms and other products, which include Cocamidopropyl Betaine, without any problems.
As evidence of the harmlessness and non-toxicity of this ingredient, the fact that it is part of hygiene products for children may be the evidence. But when it gets into your eyes, cocamidopropyl is always annoying. Therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to wash the organs of vision with a large amount of clean water until the unpleasant symptoms (burning, tearing) disappear. Each detergent must be used as intended. Shampoos, balms, detergents are not intended for human consumption. That is why it is not at all surprising that Cocamidopropyl Betaine is quite toxic if it is ingested orally. In rats, a dose above 5 g per 1 kg of animal body weight is lethal. It is believed that this surfactant negatively affects the liver and thyroid gland. However, fundamental research has not been conducted.
Is there a connection with the formation of malignant tumors
Some researchers claim that Cocamidopropyl Betaine causes cancer. Experiments on mice are given as evidence. The international community for the study of malignant tumors warns that this ingredient in combination with other components of the cosmetic product is able to form nitrosamines. These are very dangerous and extremely toxic carcinogens that affect the liver and cause a number of painful conditions, including malignant tumors. This statement has not yet been professionally verified. The American FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration Safety Committee) has recognized Cocamidopropyl Betaine as a non-harmful chemical element given its use in cosmetics as part of detergents. The exception is creams and ointments with this drug, which are applied for a long time and suggest getting into the subcutaneous tissue.
Dental Application
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is used in dentistry not only as an ingredient in toothpastes and powders. Scientists have developed a fundamentally new tool designed to cleanse the oral cavity of patients with baguettes and other fixed structures on their teeth. It is a liquid substance that, when sprayed in the mouth, turns into a soft foam that perfectly cleanses tooth enamel and is easily washed off with water. The novelty also includes cocamidopropyl betaine.