Betaine (Trimethylglycine) Powder

Betaine, also known as Trimethylglycine (TMG), is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in sugar beets, spinach, and other plant sources. In cosmetic formulation, it functions as a highly effective osmolyte and humectant — a molecule that helps cells regulate water balance under osmotic stress. Unlike film-forming humectants that simply attract water to the skin surface, betaine works at the cellular level by stabilizing proteins and cellular structures against dehydration, heat, and environmental stressors. This osmoprotective mechanism makes it particularly valuable in formulations targeting barrier resilience, long-term hydration, and skin comfort.

What It Does in a Formula

• Osmoprotection and cellular hydration — functions as a compatible solute that protects skin cells from osmotic stress and dehydration without disrupting cellular function; supports the skin's ability to retain moisture under environmental challenge
• Humectancy — attracts and binds water in the stratum corneum, contributing to immediate and sustained surface hydration; comparable to glycerin but with a lighter, less sticky skin feel
• Skin feel enhancement — imparts a smooth, soft, non-tacky skin feel; widely used as a glycerin modifier to reduce the heaviness associated with high-glycerin formulations
• Barrier support — helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier under stress conditions including cold, wind, low humidity, and surfactant exposure
• Soothing and anti-irritant properties — reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and helps calm reactive or sensitized skin; well-suited for post-procedure and sensitive skin formulations
• Cryoprotection — stabilizes formulation components and skin proteins against freeze-thaw stress; useful in formulations intended for cold-climate use

Formulation Guidelines

• Use level: 0.5% – 5% (1–3% is typical for humectancy and skin feel; up to 5% in targeted barrier and soothing formulations)
• Phase: Water phase — dissolve in the aqueous phase; highly water soluble and easy to incorporate
• pH range: Stable across a broad pH range (3.0 – 9.0); compatible with virtually all cosmetic formulation pH ranges
• Compatibility: Excellent compatibility with all major cosmetic actives, humectants, emollients, and preservative systems; no known significant incompatibilities
• Skin feel modifier: Use at 1–2% alongside glycerin to reduce tackiness and improve spreadability in high-humectant formulations
• Suitable formats: Serums, toners, moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, body lotions, and post-procedure formulations; particularly effective in hydrating and barrier-repair products
• Formulator note: Betaine is heat stable and can be processed in the water phase at elevated temperatures without degradation; it also contributes mild viscosity reduction in some systems, which can be useful for texture adjustment

Technical Specifications

• INCI Name: Betaine
• CAS Number: 107-43-7
• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Purity: ≥99%
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
• pH (1% aqueous solution): 5.5 – 7.5
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture; keep container tightly sealed
• Shelf Life: 2 years from date of manufacture when stored properly