Humectant

Betaine

Natural amino acid from sugar beet — an osmoprotectant and moisturizer with soothing properties. Betaine protects skin cells from osmotic stress, hydrates, and reduces irritation from active ingredients.

OsmoprotectantHydrationSoothingNatural
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Betaine (trimethylglycine, TMG) — a natural amino acid from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). Osmoprotectant — protects cells from stress due to changes in osmotic pressure. Hydrates similarly to glycerin, but with additional soothing action. In INCI: Betaine.

Widely used in soothing products after peels, serums with acids and retinol (reduces irritation), toners, and products for sensitive skin.

Key Benefits

Osmoprotection of skin cells
Accumulates in cells as an "osmotic buffer," protecting them from stress due to changes in humidity, temperature, or exposure to aggressive components.
Reduction of irritation from actives
Effectively reduces irritation from retinol, acids, and other active components — often present in retinol products for this reason.
Hygroscopic hydration without stickiness
Hydrates more effectively than glycerin in low humidity, leaving no sticky feeling.

Suitable for

Sensitive skinSkin during the use of acids/retinolAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Osmoprotection✓ Hydration✓ Reduction of irritation✓ Soothing✓ Protection of cells
Betaine in combination with retinol

Betaine is one of the few ingredients clinically proven to reduce irritation from retinol. If a retinol product contains betaine — it is a signal of a more tolerant formula.

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