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Beet Root Extract
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about beet root and betaine. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Beet root is the red taproot of Beta vulgaris. ORY® uses beet root extract or powder for antioxidant support and betaine, a beet-derived humectant, to help skin and hair feel hydrated and soft. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Beet’s red pigments (betalains, mainly betanin) show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. The CIR Expert Panel found betaine safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. We found no CIR assessment for beet root extract.
Citations:
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
- What it shows: Review of betanin.
- Sadowska-Bartosz, I., & Bartosz, G. (2021). Biological properties and applications of betalains. Molecules, 26(9), 2520. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092520
- What it shows: Review of betalains.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment including betaine.
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Beet root is juiced, dried to powder, or extracted with water or glycerin. It contains betalains, vitamin C, folate, minerals, and sugars. Betaine is purified from sugar beet. |
Verification: Supported. Beet chemistry is well documented. Betanin breaks down with light, heat, oxygen, and alkaline pH.
Citations:
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
- What it shows: Describes betanin and its stability.
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Beet root extract and betaine suit all skin types. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies of beet root by skin type. CIR found betaine safe when formulated to be non-irritating.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- What it shows: Safety conclusion for betaine.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, betaine helps hair feel soft and moisturized, and helps shampoos feel gentler. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of beet root on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to grow hair or treat scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- What it shows: Reported hair-care uses.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
5. Benefits
Claim: Beet root provides antioxidant support, and betaine helps skin and hair feel hydrated and soft. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant evidence for betalains comes mostly from lab studies. Research on drinking beet juice does not apply to skin.
Citations:
- Sadowska-Bartosz, I., & Bartosz, G. (2021). Biological properties and applications of betalains. Molecules, 26(9), 2520. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092520
- What it shows: Lab evidence for betalains.
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
- What it shows: Review.
- Sadowska-Bartosz, I., & Bartosz, G. (2021). Biological properties and applications of betalains. Molecules, 26(9), 2520. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092520
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Beet root extract and betaine are used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Beet is added for antioxidant and hydrating benefits, not for color. FDA has approved beet-derived colors (including beetroot red, listed in 2026) only for foods, not for cosmetics, so ORY® does not use beet to tint products. Betanin turns brown at soap pH.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% extract; 1–5% betaine; 1–10% powder in rinse-off masks | Masks, serums, creams, and cleansers. |
| Haircare | 1–5% betaine; 1–3% extract | Shampoos and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | 1–2% betaine | Betaine for a softer lather feel. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–5% betaine or extract | Foundations and setting sprays (not as a colorant). |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA rules: color additives in cosmetics must be approved for that use.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, February 6). Listing of color additives exempt from certification; beetroot red (food use only), Federal Register document 2026-02313. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/06/2026-02313/listing-of-color-additives-exempt-from-certification-beetroot-red
- What it shows: FDA food-only listing of beetroot red.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- What it shows: Reported use levels for betaine.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
7. Pros
Claim: Two useful ingredients from one plant: antioxidant betalains and hydrating betaine. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Betaine has a CIR safety conclusion; betalain skin evidence is from the lab.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Sadowska-Bartosz, I., & Bartosz, G. (2021). Biological properties and applications of betalains. Molecules, 26(9), 2520. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092520
- What it shows: Review.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
8. Cons
Claim: Beet pigment is unstable, can stain, and cannot be used to color cosmetics. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Color instability. Fades with light, heat, and alkaline pH.
- Staining. Temporary tint on skin and fabric.
- Color rules. Not approved as a cosmetic colorant.
- Limited evidence. Few topical studies.
- Preservation. Sugars in juice and powder support microbial growth.
Citations:
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
- What it shows: Stability.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: Color rules.
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2018). Safety assessment of alkyl betaines as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818773354
- Esatbeyoglu, T., Wagner, A. E., Schini-Kerth, V. B., & Rimbach, G. (2015). Betanin—A food colorant with biological activity. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 59(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201400484
- Sadowska-Bartosz, I., & Bartosz, G. (2021). Biological properties and applications of betalains. Molecules, 26(9), 2520. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092520
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, February 6). Listing of color additives exempt from certification; beetroot red (food use only), Federal Register document 2026-02313. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/06/2026-02313/listing-of-color-additives-exempt-from-certification-beetroot-red
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
