Betaine Salicylate (Salicylic Acid Alternative)

Betaine Salicylate

Gentle, water-soluble BHA-type exfoliating active

INCI Name: Betaine Salicylate

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder

Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol

Typical Usage: 1–4% (up to 10% depending on system)

Function: Gentle exfoliation, pore refinement, clarifying

Betaine Salicylate is a high-purity, water-soluble exfoliating active widely used as a gentler alternative to salicylic acid. By pairing the keratolytic activity of salicylic acid with skin-conditioning betaine, this ingredient delivers smoother texture, refined pores, and clearer-looking skin with significantly reduced irritation. It is a staple in K-beauty and sensitive-skin exfoliation systems. 

Commonly Used In

• Clarifying and exfoliating toners
• Pore-refining serums
• Acne-prone skin treatments
• K-beauty style essences
• Lightweight gel serums and emulsions

What It Is

Betaine Salicylate offers exfoliation and pore-refining activity similar to salicylic acid, but in a significantly milder, more skin-tolerant form. Its excellent water solubility makes it especially easy to formulate into toners, essences, gel serums, and other aqueous systems without the solubility limitations of traditional salicylic acid.

Key Benefits

• Provides gentle daily exfoliation
• Helps refine pores and clear surface congestion
• Improves skin texture and smoothness
• Less irritating than traditional salicylic acid
• Excellent compatibility with hydrating and calming actives

Suggested Use Level

• 1–4% for daily leave-on products
• Up to 10% depending on formulation type and rinse-off use

Formulation Guidelines

• Dissolve fully in the water phase
• Recommended final pH: 3.5–6.0
• Compatible with niacinamide, panthenol, allantoin, HA, and botanical extracts
• Blend with willow bark extract for enhanced clarifying systems
• Suitable for both daily exfoliation and weekly corrective treatments

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)