Betaine is an alkaloid with a chemical name of 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylaminohydantoin. Its chemical structure is similar to that of amino acids. It is a quaternary ammonium base substance and its molecular formula is C5H11NO2. The original powder has fluidity and is slightly brown powder. The melting point is 293°C. Easily soluble in water and methanol.
Betaine is widely present in animals and plants. Among plants, Lycium barbarum and legumes contain betaine. The molasses of beet is the main source of betaine. Among animals, molluscs such as octopus, cuttlefish, and shrimp, as well as the liver, spleen and amniotic fluid of vertebrates (including humans) contain betaine.

Like sugar cane, beet was originally used to extract sucrose. It was mainly found in the molasses of beet sugar, hence the name, but its efficacy was not gradually recognized until the 1970s. Betaine is commonly found in animals and plants, is an intermediate product of animal metabolism, and plays a very important role in the metabolism of nutrients. It is a secondary product of metabolism and is a very important osmotic adjustment substance. It is very important for plants to enhance resistance to stress, such as resistance to salinity and drought. People found that there is an ingredient in beets that can play a good cleansing effect without harming the skin. It is very safe and is named betaine.