Common Name(s): Betaine salicylate,trimethylglycine salicylate
CAS Number: 24077-28-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides bha exfoliation and pore clearing with improved gentleness vs free salicylic acid.
Why It's Used: Salicylic acid alternative for sensitive or reactive skin where standard bha causes excessive irritation; popular in korean skincare.
How It Works: Betaine salt form provides buffered release of salicylate ions, moderating the rate of keratolytic activity for gentler exfoliation vs free salicylic acid.
Typically Found In: Sensitive acne treatments,korean bha toners,gentle exfoliants
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ bha derivative
Secondary Functions: Anti-acne,pore clearing,gentle exfoliation
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ4%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Synthetic via kolbe-schmitt reaction or from willow bark extract. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low; gentler than free salicylic acid
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ anti-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Can cause dryness, peeling. follow with moisturizer. not for use in pregnancy.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes โ preferred over salicylic acid for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Safe at otc concentrations (0.5โ2%). avoid in pregnancy at high concentrations.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,zinc,hyaluronic acid,ceramides
Avoid Combining With: Multiple exfoliating acids simultaneously; avoid in pregnancy at high concentrations
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Betaine salt modification provides buffered, slower release of salicylate ions compared to free salicylic acid, reducing peak irritant concentration at the skin surface while maintaining keratolytic and anti-acne efficacy.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,korean cosmetic research