Trimethylglycine, commonly known as Betaine, is a naturally occurring zwitterionic compound used as a functional cosmetic ingredient in skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulations. The INCI name associated with this material is BETAINE. Anhydrous Trimethylglycine has the CAS Number 107-43-7, molecular formula C₅H₁₁NO₂, and molecular weight 117.15 g/mol. Betaine monohydrate is separately identified by CAS Number 590-47-6.
Trimethylglycine is valued particularly for its humectant, skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning functionality. Its zwitterionic structure gives it a strong affinity for water, making it useful in formulations where moisture management and a comfortable sensory profile are important.
Trimethylglycine is the systematic chemical identity commonly associated with Betaine. It contains a trimethylammonium group and a carboxylate group within the same molecule, giving the compound its zwitterionic character. The material is also known as Glycine Betaine, TMG, Trimethylglycine and 2-Trimethylammonioacetate.
Anhydrous Trimethylglycine has a molecular weight of 117.15 g/mol, while Betaine monohydrate has a molecular weight of 135.16 g/mol. This distinction is important when calculating formulation quantities and interpreting assay or moisture results.
FCC describes Betaine as a white, very hygroscopic powder that is very soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol and soluble in ethanol.
Trimethylglycine is primarily used as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Its water-binding characteristics make it suitable for formulations designed to support skin moisture and improve the overall feel of the finished product.
In hair-care products, Betaine can provide hair-conditioning functionality and can be incorporated into shampoos, conditioners and treatment formulations. Its water compatibility also allows it to work conveniently in aqueous systems.
The ingredient can be combined with other moisturising and conditioning ingredients to develop balanced formulations. The exact function and use level should always be determined according to the finished formulation, supplied grade and applicable regulatory requirements.
Trimethylglycine Cosmetic Ingredient can be used in a variety of personal-care products, including facial moisturisers, body lotions, serums, gels, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, shower products and other skin-care and hair-care formulations.
In skin-care products, Trimethylglycine can support moisture-management and conditioning systems. Its high water solubility makes it suitable for aqueous creams, lotions, gels and serums.
In hair-care formulations, it can be incorporated into cleansing and conditioning systems where moisture management and hair conditioning are desired. It can also be combined with other humectants, polymers, surfactants and conditioning materials, subject to compatibility testing.
Trimethylglycine is highly hygroscopic, so moisture exposure during storage and handling should be controlled. FCC describes Betaine as a very hygroscopic powder with high water solubility.
The anhydrous or monohydrate form should be clearly identified before formulation because the two forms have different molecular weights and moisture characteristics. Anhydrous Betaine is generally represented by CAS 107-43-7, while the monohydrate is represented by CAS 590-47-6.
Commercial cosmetic specifications can differ according to source and grade. A technical reference for anhydrous Betaine reports minimum 99% assay on a dry basis, loss on drying maximum 2%, residue on ignition maximum 0.1% and pH 5.0–7.0 for a specified solution method. These are supplier-specific technical specifications, not universal cosmetic requirements.
As a Trimethylglycine Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulation requirements.
Trimethylglycine can be considered by manufacturers seeking a water-compatible humectant and conditioning ingredient for cosmetic formulations. For bulk procurement, identity, assay, moisture, appearance, pH, residue and impurity requirements should be established against the applicable commercial specification and Certificate of Analysis.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 97.0% – 103.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 2.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Water Content | NMT 2.0% |
| Melting Point | Approximately 293°C |