What does betaine do for the skin?

Betaine, as the name suggests, is an alkaline substance extracted from beets. Betaine is a substance that is beneficial to the human body. It can participate in the synthesis of amino acids with methyl in the human body, and promote healthy growth of the human body by participating in human metabolism. Betaine can play a positive role in the human body environment. So what effect does betaine have on the skin? Let’s find out together.

Betaine is naturally present in many plants, such as spinach, malt, mushrooms and fruits. It is also present in some animals, such as lobster claws, octopus, squid and aquatic crustaceans. It is even found in the human liver.

Betaine was discovered in Europe and is usually considered to be an intermediate product of the metabolism of living organisms. It is a methyl group provider involved in the synthesis of methionine. It is also called trimethylglycine. It is a natural edible amino acid with better effects than popular amino acids on the market. Medical grade betaine is mostly used in cosmetics, medicines, and foods. It is extracted from beetroot honey. It is a natural amino acid moisturizer.

Betaine is a zwitterion with high biocompatibility, is highly soluble in water and has stable properties.

Moisturizing effect:

In the experiment, in a diluted solution, a water molecule can temporarily occupy the middle of the betaine zwitterion and easily release the water molecules it carries into the surrounding liquid. Unlike humectants (glycerin) that fix water molecules, betaine allows water molecules to be fully utilized and absorbed by all living cells. Water molecules stay near betaine for a shorter time than other moisturizers, so it is a true water molecule carrier.

Unique moisturizing and cell-protecting properties :

It is well known that water is the basic element of all biological cells. All cells contain 85% to 95% water. Water can penetrate and diffuse through cells by relying on active osmolytes.

Betaine is one of the most important organic osmotic substances. Experiments have shown that the higher the content of betaine in the environment and the drier it is, the higher the content of betaine in biological cells, which is used to balance the cell volume and water balance.

Under external high osmotic pressure, such as dehydration of the skin surface and ultraviolet radiation, a large amount of osmotic substances in skin cells will be lost, causing cell apoptosis. Betaine osmotic substances can significantly inhibit this process. In toiletries, this organic osmotic substance penetrates through the stratum corneum of the skin to protect the balance of cells and increase the water content of the surface skin.

Betaine's unique moisturizing mechanism is superior to other moisturizers such as sodium hyaluronate and amino acids. Betaine can still achieve a long-lasting moisturizing effect at low concentrations. It is called "tap water" moisturizing (it can attract moisture from deep layers of the skin to the dehydrated surface layer, so that the surface layer of the skin also contains sufficient moisture)

Low irritation and neutralizing effect :

Betaine has anti-allergic and skin irritation reducing effects. Adding betaine to refined products can significantly reduce the irritation of surfactants to the skin.

Anti-allergic and moisturizing effects:

Adding betaine to shampoo can significantly reduce the irritation of surfactants to the scalp, and can also improve itchy scalp and dry hair after shampooing. Due to its excellent moisturizing effect, it can increase the water retention capacity of hair and give hair luster. For permed and dyed hair, it can protect it from damage by external factors. Currently, betaine is used in facial cleansers, shower gels, and other products, and is especially suitable for use in products that are loved by infants and young children.

Neutralization acidity and alkalinity

Betaine is weakly acidic in aqueous solution. It can significantly improve the skin irritation caused by the low pH value of fruit acid in fruit acid skin care and reduce the occurrence of allergies.

Oil-in-water emulsion system

Sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate are usually added to creams to improve the cold stability of the product, but the freezing point of betaine's aqueous solution is better than both, so it can be a complete substitute. It can also improve the defect of cream becoming dry after application and give the skin a silky feeling.

At present, betaine is suitable for baby care products. It has a good moisturizing effect on the delicate skin of infants and young children and is a natural skin moisturizer. Some brands of baby care products on the market currently contain betaine, such as the relatively low-key Yirka baby care series among domestic products. Betaine ingredients are added to facial creams and shampoo and bath products. It's the best for babies.