Sometimes used in cosmetics, e.g., there are several synthetic surfactants (i.e., amphoteric cocnut betaine) that may contain some cocnut oil, tallow, etc., but they also contain synthetic chemicals such as alkyl amino propionates, sodium alkyl sulfates, and triethanolamine (TEA). They are very drying to hair and skin, they cause allergic reactions, and their toxicity is unknown. Avoid them.