Betaine

Betaine

Skin-identical osmolyte for hydration, comfort, and stress protection.

INCI Name: Betaine

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Solubility: Freely soluble in water

Typical Usage: 0.5–5%

Function: Humectant, osmoprotectant, anti-irritant, conditioning agent

Betaine is a naturally occurring osmolyte derived from plant sources such as sugar beet. In cosmetic formulations, it plays a critical role in maintaining cellular water balance, protecting skin and hair from dehydration, irritation, and environmental stress while improving overall comfort and softness.

Common Applications

• Hydrating serums and moisturizers
• Soothing and barrier-support creams
• Cleansers and micellar waters (irritation reduction)
• Shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments
• Baby care and sensitive-skin formulations

Why Betaine?

Betaine functions as a biological osmolyte, meaning it helps skin and hair cells regulate water balance under stress conditions such as cleansing, surfactant exposure, heat, dryness, and environmental aggressors. Unlike simple humectants, betaine actively protects cell integrity while improving hydration and sensory comfort.

Key Benefits

• Hydration with comfort: Helps bind water while reducing tightness and dryness.
• Anti-irritation support: Known to reduce surfactant-induced irritation in cleansers.
• Barrier-friendly: Supports skin resilience under environmental and formulation stress.
• Hair conditioning: Improves softness, smoothness, and manageability.
• Excellent tolerance: Suitable for sensitive, compromised, and baby skin.

Usage Guidelines

• Recommended use level: 0.5–5%
• Add to the water phase; dissolves easily with mild heating if needed
• Stable across a broad pH range typical of cosmetic formulations
• Compatible with most actives, surfactants, and emulsifier systems

Formulation Notes

• Enhances mildness in cleansers and surfactant-based products
• Pairs well with glycerin, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and amino acids
• Well suited for both leave-on and rinse-off formulations

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Lot CF0125RM146
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Disclaimer

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material only. Not intended for direct application to the skin without proper formulation. Not a drug or medicinal ingredient.