Betaine is a naturally occurring cosmetic ingredient and zwitterionic compound widely used in skin-care and hair-care formulations. It is also known as trimethylglycine or glycine betaine. The INCI name is BETAINE, and the commonly referenced CAS Number is 107-43-7. Betaine has the molecular formula C₅H₁₁NO₂ and a molecular weight of 117.15 g/mol for the anhydrous form. A monohydrate form is also identified by CAS 590-47-6.
In cosmetic formulations, Betaine is primarily used as a humectant, skin-conditioning ingredient and hair-conditioning ingredient. Its zwitterionic structure gives it strong affinity for water, allowing it to support moisture management in formulations. Betaine is naturally found in sources such as sugar beet and is also commercially produced in purified grades for cosmetic applications.
Betaine is an inner salt (zwitterion) containing a positively charged trimethylammonium group and a negatively charged carboxylate group within the same molecule. This ionic structure contributes to its strong water compatibility and hygroscopic characteristics.
Anhydrous Betaine has the molecular formula C₅H₁₁NO₂ and molecular weight 117.15 g/mol. The monohydrate has the formula C₅H₁₁NO₂·H₂O and molecular weight 135.16 g/mol. The FCC reference describes Betaine as a white, very hygroscopic powder, very soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol and soluble in ethanol.
Betaine is therefore particularly convenient for aqueous cosmetic systems. However, the hydration state and commercial grade should be clearly identified because the anhydrous and monohydrate forms have different molecular weights and moisture characteristics.
Betaine is primarily valued as a humectant. It can support water retention and help cosmetic formulations maintain a moisturising profile. Its osmolyte characteristics are also relevant to its use in formulations designed around moisture balance.
In skin-care products, Betaine functions as a skin-conditioning ingredient and can contribute to a smooth and comfortable skin feel. In hair-care products, it is recognised for hair-conditioning functionality. These functions make Betaine useful in formulations where moisturising and conditioning are required together.
Betaine's high water solubility also allows it to be incorporated into many aqueous formulations without requiring an oil-phase solubilisation system. It can be combined with other humectants and conditioning materials according to the formulation objective.
Betaine Cosmetic Ingredient can be used in a broad range of personal-care formulations, including facial moisturisers, lotions, serums, gels, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, shower products and other skin-care and hair-care preparations.
In skin-care formulations, Betaine can be selected when moisture retention and skin conditioning are desired. It can complement ingredients such as glycerin, polyols and other water-binding materials.
In cleansing formulations, Betaine can be incorporated alongside surfactant systems. Its water-compatible nature makes it suitable for aqueous shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes and similar products.
For hair-care formulations, Betaine can contribute to conditioning and moisture management in shampoos, conditioners and treatment products. The actual use level should be established through formulation testing and according to the intended product category and applicable market requirements.
Betaine is very soluble in water, which makes incorporation into aqueous formulations relatively straightforward. The FCC reference describes it as a very hygroscopic powder, so moisture exposure during storage and handling should be controlled.
The hydration state of the raw material should also be considered when calculating formulation quantities. Anhydrous Betaine and Betaine monohydrate have different molecular weights, and commercial grades may differ in moisture content and active-material specification.
Betaine can be incorporated into formulations containing other humectants, skin-conditioning materials, polymers and surfactants, but compatibility should always be confirmed within the complete formulation. Finished products should undergo appropriate stability, pH, viscosity and microbiological evaluation.
For commercial procurement, the actual Certificate of Analysis should be used for assay, moisture, residue, impurities and other quality parameters. A supplier-specific assay should not be transferred to another grade without verification.
As a Betaine Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulation requirements. Betaine is suitable for manufacturers developing moisturising, conditioning and water-based cosmetic products.
For bulk cosmetic ingredient procurement, important quality considerations include identity, assay, appearance, moisture, hydration state, solubility and impurity control. The applicable specification should be established according to the intended application and commercial grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |