For newborns and babies 0–6 months: Betaine is a moisturizing ingredient used in some lotions and wipes. Most safety reviews find low risk for cancer or developmental harm, but there are noted risks of contamination with industrial pollutants and some reports of mild skin or eye irritation. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, I recommend a cautious approach.
If you want to use a product that lists betaine on a baby younger than 6 months: choose products made for infants from reputable brands, use sparingly, test a small patch of skin first (a tiny area on the inner thigh) and wait 24–48 hours to watch for redness or rash, avoid using it on broken skin or near the eyes, and prefer rinse-off items over leave-on when possible. If you have any concerns, choose formulations that do not list betaine.
Watch for redness, rash, swelling, eye irritation, unusual fussiness after applying a new product. The caution comes from safety and chemical reviews that list contamination concerns (dioxins, PAHs, PCBs, lead) and limited evidence of skin/eye irritation reported by agencies such as Environment Canada, the European Chemicals Agency, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, and notes about additive/food uses from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Also note some product-certification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide extra safety documentation.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Betaine or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Betaine safety and effects.
Use caution with Betaine for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Detected in breast milk, meaning it can pass from mom to baby. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Betaine is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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