Betaine

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.