Considerations

• Contamination Concerns Processing aids, amidoamine and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine, can remain in the finished product and can cause contact dermatitis, eye irritation, and other allergic reactions. • Contact Allergen Likely due to processing aid contaminants, allergic reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine is so high that the American Contact Dermatitis Society named cocamidopropyl betaine Allergen of the Year in 2004. Despite its high potential for allergic reactions, it's used in popular hypoallergenic products marketed to children and infants. • Nitrosamine Contamination Because these chemicals are amines, they can, under certain conditions, create carcinogenic nitrosamines. These nitrosamines not only can be found in products, but can also form downstream, contaminating waste water with these carcinogens. However, to be fair, these nitrosamines are only formed when the product is heated to above 350 degrees, or when the pH is moderately acidic (3.5 or lower). • Undisclosed Ingredients Some supplies of CAPB may contain propylene glycol as a solvent, which may not be disclosed on a product label.