A glycine-free aluminum and/or zirconium Betaine salt having a metal to chloride molar ratio in the range of 0.3-2.5:1, a Betaine:aluminum molar ratio in the range of 0.05-1.0:1 and/or a Betaine:zirconium molar ratio in the range of 0.2-3.0:1, wherein the Betaine is used in its normal form described in Formula I, or in its derivative form of Betaine hydrochloride, described in Formula IA: ##STR1##