Tetrahydrocurcumin is a high-value curcumin-derived active ingredient widely used in cosmetic, personal care, nutraceutical, research, and specialty formulation applications. It is a hydrogenated derivative of curcumin, produced when the double bonds in curcumin are reduced, giving it improved color stability and a lighter appearance compared with standard curcumin. PubChem describes tetrahydrocurcumin as a curcumin-related polyphenolic beta-diketone with molecular formula C₂₁H₂₄O₆ and molecular weight of about 372.4 g/mol.
Tetrahydrocurcumin is especially valued in skincare and cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning positioning. In the EU CosIng database, the ingredient is listed under the INCI name TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN, with CAS number 36062-04-1 and EC number 609-201-3.
Key Product Information
Attribute | Description |
Product Name | Tetrahydrocurcumin |
Common Abbreviation | THCu / THC |
INCI Name | TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN |
CAS Number | 36062-04-1 |
EC Number | 609-201-3 |
Molecular Formula | C₂₁H₂₄O₆ |
Molecular Weight | Approx. 372.4 g/mol |
Appearance | White to off-white or light yellow powder |
Source / Origin | Curcumin-derived active ingredient |
Main Function | Antioxidant, brightening active, cosmetic active, specialty formulation ingredient |
Typical Use Areas | Skincare, cosmetics, personal care, nutraceutical research, specialty formulations |
Key Features
Feature | Benefit |
Curcumin-derived active | Offers the functional value of turmeric-based chemistry in a refined form |
Strong antioxidant profile | Helps support formulation stability and protect against oxidative stress |
Light color | Easier to use in cosmetic and skincare products than strongly yellow curcumin |
Brightening-positioned ingredient | Suitable for tone-evening, radiance, and complexion-care formulations |
Good formulation flexibility | Can be used in creams, serums, lotions, masks, gels, and specialty cosmetic systems |
Premium active ingredient | Suitable for high-end skincare and functional personal care products |
Typical Applications
Skincare and Personal Care
Tetrahydrocurcumin is commonly used in cosmetic formulations such as facial serums, creams, lotions, masks, essences, gels, and targeted brightening products. Its antioxidant profile and light color make it suitable for premium skincare products where turmeric-derived functionality is desired without the strong yellow color of curcumin.
Brightening and Complexion-Care Formulations
Tetrahydrocurcumin is often selected for products designed to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. It can be used in formulations positioned for radiance, tone balance, dullness reduction, and skin clarity, subject to local cosmetic claim regulations.
Antioxidant Formulations
As a polyphenolic antioxidant ingredient, Tetrahydrocurcumin can help protect sensitive cosmetic systems and support product performance in anti-aging, environmental-stress, and skin-protection formulations.
Nutraceutical and Research Applications
Tetrahydrocurcumin may also be used in nutraceutical research, botanical active studies, and specialty ingredient development. Any food, supplement, or health-related use should follow the applicable regulatory requirements in the target market.
Specialty Formulations
Tetrahydrocurcumin is suitable for high-value specialty products where antioxidant performance, curcumin-derived chemistry, and light color are important formulation requirements.
Formulation Benefits
Tetrahydrocurcumin offers an advantage over standard curcumin in applications where a lighter color and improved aesthetic compatibility are required. While curcumin is naturally bright yellow-orange, Tetrahydrocurcumin is typically white to light yellow, making it easier to incorporate into skincare and cosmetic systems without strongly affecting the final product color.
It is especially suitable for:
Facial serums requiring antioxidant and brightening positioning.
Creams and lotions where a light-colored active is preferred.
Masks and gels targeting dullness and uneven skin tone.
Premium skincare products based on botanical or turmeric-derived actives.
Specialty cosmetic systems requiring high-value functional ingredients.
Regulatory Note
Tetrahydrocurcumin is recognized as a cosmetic ingredient under the INCI name TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN in the EU CosIng database. For finished-product use, customers should confirm the permitted application, dosage, labeling, claims, and compliance requirements in the destination market before commercialization.
Packaging and Storage
Store Tetrahydrocurcumin in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly closed after opening. Protect the product from moisture, heat, direct sunlight, strong oxidizing materials, and other incompatible substances. Supplier safety documentation commonly recommends tightly closed, dry storage and notes that the material may be light-sensitive.
Suggested Short Listing Copy
Tetrahydrocurcumin is a premium curcumin-derived active ingredient used in skincare, cosmetics, personal care, nutraceutical research, and specialty formulations. With its light color, strong antioxidant profile, and brightening-positioned benefits, Tetrahydrocurcumin is an excellent choice for creams, serums, lotions, masks, gels, and high-end cosmetic products. It provides the functional appeal of turmeric-based chemistry while offering better color compatibility than standard curcumin.
Conclusion
Tetrahydrocurcumin is a versatile and high-value active ingredient for manufacturers seeking antioxidant performance, botanical positioning, and cosmetic formulation flexibility. Its light appearance, curcumin-derived structure, and strong suitability for brightening and anti-aging skincare products make it an attractive choice for premium personal care and specialty formulations. Overall, Tetrahydrocurcumin is an effective solution for brands developing modern skincare products with natural-inspired, high-performance active ingredients.
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