Betaine

The Basics On Betaine

What is Betaine?

Betaine is an ingredient that works to balance skin’s hydration.

What are other names for Betaine?

1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL- HYDROXIDE INNER SALT METHANAMINIUM, 1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYLMETHANAMINIUM HYDROXIDE, INNER SALT, 2-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)ETHANOIC ACID, HYDROXIDE, INNER SALT, BETAINE, HYDROXIDE INNER SALT METHANAMINIUM, 1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL-, INNER SALT 1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYLMETHANAMINIUM HYDROXIDE, INNER SALT METHANAMINIUM, 1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL-, HYDROXIDE, METHANAMINIUM, 1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL-, HYDROXIDE, INNER SALT, METHANAMINIUM, 1-CARBOXY-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL-, INNER SALT, METHANAMINIUM, 1CARBOXYN,N,NTRIMETHYL, HYDROXIDE, INNERSALT, and TRIMETHYLGLYCINE

What is Betaine used for?

Betaine, also called trimethylglycine, is a simple, small molecule naturally found in and derived from the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), from which it gets its name. Betaine is used in many skincare and cosmetics formulations and has been shown to offer the following benefits for our skin: Anti-inflammatory Betaine has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties against erythema and skin irritations. It is often used in soaps and skin and hair cleaning products partly for its anti-inflammatory properties. Humectant Betaine has humectant properties and is used in some skincare formulations to hydrate the skin and increase water retention Hair conditioner Betaine is often used in hair care products where it has demonstrated hair strengthening and conditioning properties. Anti-aging Some studies have suggested that Betaine assists with anti-aging and skin protection against action of oxidative free radicals

How Betaine is classified

Hydration

Recommendations for using Betaine during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited data suggests no known risk

 

Betaine During Pregnancy

What we know about using Betaine while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

Dermal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of cetyl betaine in rabbits determined the maternal LOAEL to be 10 mg/kg/d due to decreased bw gain and a maternal NOAEL could not be established. The developmental LOAEL was 40 mg/kg/d and the developmental NOAEL was 20 mg/kg/d. In oral reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of cetyl betaine in rats, the LOAEL for the dams was 50 mg/kg due to decreased bw gain and a maternal NOAEL could not be calculated. The developmental LOAEL was 250 mg/kg and the developmental NOAEL was 150 mg/kg. In an oral C12 to C14 alkyldimethyl betaines study, the reproductive NOEL was 150 mg/kg bw/d and the reproductive LOAEL was 300 mg/kg bw/d due to decreased pup weight and litter size and increased postimplantation loss and postnatal loss. Another oral C12 to C14 alkyldimethyl betaines study determined the reproductive NOAEL to be 300 mg/kg/d when the test material was tested up to 1,000 mg/kg/d.

General safety info about Betaine from CIR

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed the safety of 11 alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are reported to function as hair and skin conditioning agents, antistatic agents, surfactants-cleansing agents, and viscosity-increasing agents in cosmetic products. Although there are data gaps, the shared chemical core structure, similar functions and concentrations of use in cosmetics, and the expected similarities in physicochemical properties enabled grouping these ingredients and reading across the available toxicological data to support the safety assessment of each individual compound in the entire group. The Panel concluded alkyl betaines were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration, when formulated to be nonirritating.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Betaine

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask with Vitamin C; Mini Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask; Puffy Under-Eye Patches; Green Tea Moisture-Balancing Toner; Jeju Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Jelly Cream