What it is
Lauryl Betaine is an amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactant built on a twelve-carbon lauryl chain, carrying both positive and negative charges depending on pH. It is valued for its mildness relative to anionic surfactants and is used to boost foam, support cleansing, and adjust viscosity. In emulsions and sunscreens it can also help disperse other ingredients and improve overall texture.
Safety & warnings
Amphoteric surfactants such as lauryl betaine are generally considered mild and are often used to reduce the irritancy of harsher anionic surfactants. At cosmetic use levels they are well tolerated, though high concentrations of any surfactant can be mildly irritating to eyes and skin.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic, produced from a lauryl-chain fatty source reacted to form the betaine structure; the fatty portion is commonly derived from coconut or other plant oils.
Questions everyone asks
Is Lauryl Betaine harsh on skin?
It is an amphoteric surfactant generally regarded as mild and is often used to soften the effect of stronger cleansing agents in a formula.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It can act as a mild surfactant that helps disperse ingredients and modify texture; it is not a UV filter and provides no sun protection on its own.