Betaine
Betaine is an amino acid derivative sourced from sugar beet. It functions as an osmolyte, helping to control cell-water balance, and acts as a natural osmoprotectant by attracting water away from protein surfaces, thereby protecting them from denaturation and increasing their thermodynamic stability. It also provides sensorial benefits to cosmetic formulas. According to CosIng, its official functions include antistatic, hair conditioning, humectant, skin conditioning, and viscosity controlling.
Betaine offers skin protection and moisturization properties through its role as an osmolyte and osmoprotectant. It helps maintain cell-water balance and stabilizes proteins against denaturation. When used in cleansers, it contributes to making formulas milder and gentler.
