Betaine

An ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Moisturizing
Other functions
Origin
Betaine

Overview

Betaine is a naturally derived ingredient that originates from the sucrose in sugar beets.

This ingredient is known as an amphoteric surfactant, which means it has both a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This chemistry is important because it allows the ingredient to be hygroscopic, or to have a strong affinity for water.

Having a strong affinity for water means that betaine is a humectant and provides moisturization by drawing in water to the skin. In its pure form, this ingredient is a white crystalline powder that also has viscosity controlling capabilities when added to water-based systems.