EWG Safety Score
What Is Betaine?
Betaine is a humectant (hydration-optimizing) ingredient that may be plant-derived or synthetic. It also occurs naturally in skin and the body.\n\nIt’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.\n\nNewer 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.\n\nThe 2018 Cosmetic Ingredient Review of betaine concluded that this ingredient is safe. Their report surveyed personal care products containing amounts up to 8.7%.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2018, pages 28S-46S [] International Journal of Toxicology, 2018
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Food Science and Biotechnology, October 2017, pages 1391-1397 [] Food Science and Biotechnology, 2017
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The Journal of Chemical Physics, June 2015, ePublication [] The Journal of Chemical Physics, 2015
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The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2004, pages 539-549 [] The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004
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Skin Research and Technology, February 2003, pages 50-58 [] Skin Research and Technology, 2003
Related Ingredients
2,3-Butanediol
Primarily a humectant of either natural or synthetic origin
Acetyl Glutamine
Derivative of glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in the body
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Offers antioxidant qualities to defend skin Delivers soothing properties to calm skin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Juice expressed from the leaves of the aloe plant Used for its soothing properties
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