Betaine

anti-redness + sensitivity · hydrating · barrier support
by cipher skincare published: oct 4, 2019 revised: feb 17, 2026 1 min read
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why we use betaine

The Basics

Betaine is an amino acid extracted from sugar beet molasses and vinasses. It’s a nourishing and functional ingredient that is hydrating, an anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, protective, and smoothing.

Betaine’s skill set:

  • Attracts water to maintain cell water balance
  • Strengthens skin barrier function
  • Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation
  • Instantly plumps and smooths visible fine lines
  • Protects cells from external disturbances, irritation, and inflammation

Adding betaine to water was found to be less irritating than water alone. It is especially great at reducing the irritancy of AHA peels and calming + protecting skin after intensive treatments.

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