For children 5 years and older (school-age kids), betaine is usually safe and used to moisturize the skin. Most kids won’t have problems, but there are notes from safety reviewers about possible contamination and some people can have skin or eye irritation.
If you use a product with betaine on a child: choose brands that test for purity or provide safety information, do a small patch test on the arm before widespread use, avoid applying to broken or very irritated skin, keep products away from the eyes and mouth, and stop use if you see redness, swelling, blisters or persistent irritation.
Watch for irritation (redness or stinging) — limited irritation reports come from the European Chemicals Agency and Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Also be aware of contamination concerns (dioxins, PAHs, PCBs, lead) noted by Environment Canada and other reviewers, and that the ingredient can appear in foods too (FDA) leading to multiple small exposures. Some product certification programs restrict this ingredient unless the manufacturer shows proof of safety — prefer products with purity testing or clear supplier information.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
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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.
Yes, Betaine is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.
Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.
Detected in breast milk, meaning it can pass from mom to baby.
Possible negative effects on the environment
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 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
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