Betaine

Good

Humectant

Betaine at a glance

  • Helps skin adapt to moisture losses and gains, essentially working to balance skin’s hydration
  • New research shows promise as a topical ingredient to visibly correct uneven skin tone
  • Known to be gentle on skin
  • May be plant-derived or synthetic
  • Also occurs naturally in skin and the body

Betaine description

Betaine is a humectant (hydration-optimizing) ingredient that may be plant-derived or synthetic. It also occurs naturally in skin and the body. It’s known as an osmolyte, an ingredient that helps skin adapt to moisture losses and gains, essentially working to balance skin’s hydration. Betaine is often included in cleansing blends because of its gentle soothing nature that helps offset the potential irritating effects of detergents. It’s also used as a hair conditioning ingredient. Newer research indicates betaine shows promise as a topical ingredient to visibly correct uneven skin tone. More studies are needed to confirm this effect, but so far, the results look encouraging. The 2018 Cosmetic Ingredient Review of betaine concluded that this ingredient is safe. Their report surveyed personal care products containing amounts up to 8.7%.

Betaine references

  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2018, pages 28S-46S
  • Food Science and Biotechnology, October 2017, pages 1391-1397
  • The Journal of Chemical Physics, June 2015, ePublication
  • The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2004, pages 539-549
  • Skin Research and Technology, February 2003, pages 50-58

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.