Betaine hydrochloride

Betaine hydrochloride (CAS 590-46-5) is the acidic salt form of betaine, supplying hydrochloric acid upon dissolution in water.

Where is Betaine hydrochloride used?

• Pharmaceutical: controlled acidulant
• Nutritional supplements: active ingredient in stomach acid support capsules
• Food processing: acidulant and buffering agent for controlled, gradual acidification
• Personal care: scalp and skin formulations where its hygroscopic character supports moisture retention
• In solid dosage forms it provides pH adjustment and osmolyte activity within the same excipient.
• Used as a methyl donor in biochemical research and as a stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations.
• In nutritional supplements, sometimes combined with digestive enzymes such as pepsin or protease to aid protein digestion.
• In personal care, can help improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions.

Good to know: Distinct from anhydrous betaine; delivers measurable acidity alongside the betaine molecule. Precise HCl delivery per dose is a key formulation requirement.

Typical specification

• pH of a 1 in 4 solution is specified as 0.8-1.2, with a measured result of 0.96.
• Assay is 98.0% to 100.5%.
• Loss on drying is at most 0.5%.
• Residue on ignition specification is ≤0.1%, with a measured result of 0.01%.
• Lead is specified as ≤1 ppm.

Regulatory status

• Has tariff code 2923900090.
• Free from ingredients derived from animals.
• In 1993, a federal law banned the use of betaine hydrochloride in over-the-counter products in the US because there was insufficient evidence to classify it as generally recognized as safe and effective.
• Results comply with USP standards.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Due to its hygroscopic structure it can clump when in contact with moisture.
• Should be stored at +20°C.
• After opening the packaging, contact with air should be minimized because of its hygroscopic nature.
• Should be stored in a cool, dry place with containers tightly closed and protected from moisture.

Frequently asked questions about Betaine hydrochloride

What is the particle size distribution?

Particle size distribution: 100% through 20 mesh, 48.03% through 40 mesh, 8.82% through 60 mesh, 2.60% through 80 mesh, and 1.43% through 100 mesh.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.