Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Good Cleansing Agent No known benefits Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine at a glance Mild cleansing agent derived from coconut oil Boosts lather and helps thicken skin care formulas Very low risk of irritating skin Supplied as a clear liquid Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine description Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a mild cleansing agent that belongs to a category known as amphoteric surfactants. This type of surfactant has both acid and basic qualities, making it versatile across a wider pH range. It’s considered non-irritating to skin. Although derived from a natural source (coconut oil), cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is considered synthetic. Along with cleansing, it’s also used as a secondary surfactant to boost foaming/lathering properties, to help thicken cosmetics and to improve the stability of cleansers. Usage levels of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine range from 2–11.5% depending on whether it is the primary or secondary surfactant, the chemist’s desired level of cleansing, and if it’s a rinse-off or leave-on product. Leave-on products with this ingredient typically contain 2% or less. Related ingredients: Surfactant Coconut Oil