Cetyl Betaine

Cetyl Betaine Description

Cetyl betaine is an inner salt, a type of salt formed within a compound having both acidic and basic (alkaline) properties. Specifically, it is a surface-active agent, or surfactant, that has many uses in skin care and hair care products. As a mild cleansing agent, it helps trap dirt to make it easier to rinse away. It also serves as an anti-static agent, skin and hair conditioning ingredient, and helps boost and maintain foam production in cleansers.

Cetyl betaine is used in concentrations between 0.36-7.4% in cosmetics, mostly in rinse-off formulas. It has been ruled safe in its current usage by the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel. Note that this ingredient is often combined with other surfactants to create a more thorough yet still gentle cleansing experience.