Excellent Humectant NOAEL Data Dermal Penetration

Betaine

INCI: BETAINE

CAS Number
107-43-7
Function
Humectant, osmolyte, osmoprotectant; zwitterionic; stabilizes cellular protein structure under osmotic stress; non-tacky sensory profile; derived from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) processing
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 8.7% (rinse-off)
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes FDA GRAS as flavoring agent (FEMA 4223). No concentration limits for cosmetic use. FDA VCRP reports 459 product uses, primarily leave-on skin care. FDA-approved drug form (betaine hydrochloride) for homocystinuria treatment.

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Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Betaine. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL >5771 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL >812 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Betaine, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
3-6%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
117.1 Da
Log P
-2.5
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
2-4%
Safety Margin Factor
low

Source: Cosmetic Science

Expert Verdict

CIR 2018 concluded safe at up to 8.7% (rinse-off). Oral LD50 rat >11,179 mg/kg (OECD 401). Dermal absorption ~0.1% (OECD 428). NOAEL >5,771 mg/kg/day (104-week rat). Negative genotoxicity (Ames, chromosome aberration, micronucleus). Non-irritating; anti-irritant at 4-5% (reduces SLS-induced erythema). No SCCS restrictions. CosIng Ref 74520. GRAS (FDA, FEMA 4223). MoS estimated >230,000. COSMOS/ECOCERT approved.

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Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

gras-fda cosmos-approved humectant anti-irritant eu-unrestricted cir-approved natural-origin eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Betaine safe in cosmetics?

CIR 2018 concluded safe at up to 8.7% (rinse-off). Oral LD50 rat >11,179 mg/kg (OECD 401). Dermal absorption ~0.1% (OECD 428). NOAEL >5,771 mg/kg/day (104-week rat). Negative genotoxicity (Ames, chromosome aberration, micronucleus). Non-irritating; anti-irritant at 4-5% (reduces SLS-induced erythema). No SCCS restrictions. CosIng Ref 74520. GRAS (FDA, FEMA 4223). MoS estimated >230,000. COSMOS/ECOCERT approved. The EU classifies Betaine as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Betaine allowed in the EU?

Betaine EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 8.7% (rinse-off). This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Betaine do in cosmetics?

Betaine functions as: Humectant, osmolyte, osmoprotectant; zwitterionic; stabilizes cellular protein structure under osmotic stress; non-tacky sensory profile; derived from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) processing. It is classified as a Humectant in our database. CAS number: 107-43-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Betaine?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Betaine?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Betaine is >5771 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

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