Ingredient glossary
Betaine
On your shelf ✓What Betaine does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Betaine · Also: Trimethylglycine
In short: Betaine delivers hydration and osmoprotection, suits dry and sensitive skin best, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Hydration, osmoprotection
- Best for
- Dry, Sensitive skin
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.
When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Betaine pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. It tends to suit dry skin best.
— Maya
What it does
- hydration
- osmoprotection
moderate evidenceIn vitro and cosmetic studies suggest betaine reduces irritation and supports hydration by acting as a cellular osmoprotectant.
On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- dehydrated
- sensitive
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyNeutral
- SensitiveSuits
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- ceramides
Betaine, answered
Is Betaine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Betaine is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Betaine?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Betaine. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Betaine actually works?
Betaine tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
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