Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble chlorophyll-derived ingredient widely used in food color systems, dietary supplements, cosmetics, personal care, oral care, pharmaceutical research, deodorizing formulations, and specialty applications. It is valued for its characteristic green color, plant-derived origin, water dispersibility, and broad formulation potential in products requiring natural green color positioning, antioxidant-positioned benefits, or functional botanical appeal.
Chlorophyllin generally refers to a group of semi-synthetic derivatives of chlorophyll, produced by saponification and modification of natural chlorophyll. Common commercial forms include sodium copper chlorophyllin and potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin. Compared with natural chlorophyll, chlorophyllin salts are typically more water-soluble and easier to use in aqueous formulations.
Key Product Information
| Attribute | Description |
| Product Name | Chlorophyllin |
| Common Commercial Forms | Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Potassium Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex |
| Synonyms | Chlorophyllin, Sodium copper chlorophyllin, Copper chlorophyllin complex, Chlorophyllin copper complex |
| INCI Name | CHLOROPHYLLIN-COPPER COMPLEX, depending on grade and composition |
| CAS Number | 11006-34-1, commonly used for chlorophyllin-copper complex; 28302-36-5, commonly used for sodium copper chlorophyllin |
| Molecular Formula | Varies by salt form and composition; sodium copper chlorophyllin is commonly represented as C34H31CuN4Na3O6 |
| Molecular Weight | Varies by salt form and composition; sodium copper chlorophyllin is commonly listed around 724.1 g/mol |
| Appearance | Dark green to green-black powder, or green liquid depending on specification |
| Main Components | Chlorophyllin salts, commonly copper chlorophyllin complexes |
| Main Function | Natural-origin colorant, green pigment, deodorizing ingredient, antioxidant-positioned ingredient, cosmetic ingredient, specialty formulation ingredient |
| Typical Use Areas | Food color systems, dietary supplements, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, oral care, pharmaceutical research, deodorizing products, and specialty formulations |
PubChem describes chlorophyllin as a sodium/copper derivative of chlorophyll and identifies sodium copper chlorophyllin as a water-soluble bright green mixture derived from natural chlorophyll. U.S. FDA regulations describe sodium copper chlorophyllin as a green to black powder prepared from chlorophyll by saponification and replacement of magnesium by copper.
Key Features
| Feature | Benefit |
| Chlorophyll-derived ingredient | Suitable for plant-origin and green botanical product concepts |
| Water-soluble salt forms | Easier to formulate in beverages, liquids, gels, and aqueous systems than oil-soluble chlorophyll |
| Characteristic green color | Useful for natural green color positioning and visual product appeal |
| Copper chlorophyllin complex profile | Provides improved stability compared with native chlorophyll in many systems |
| Deodorizing formulation potential | Suitable for oral care, body care, and internal deodorant-positioned products where permitted |
| Broad application range | Can be used in food, supplement, cosmetic, personal care, oral care, and specialty systems |
| Customizable specifications | Can be supplied according to grade, color value, assay, particle size, solvent system, packaging, and customer requirements |
Typical Applications
Food and Beverage Color Systems
Chlorophyllin, especially sodium copper chlorophyllin or potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin, can be used in suitable food and beverage applications where green color is desired. It may be suitable for beverages, confectionery, nutrition powders, desserts, sauces, functional foods, and specialty color systems, subject to local color additive regulations, permitted categories, use levels, and labeling requirements. In the United States, sodium copper chlorophyllin is listed under 21 CFR 73.125 for use as a color additive in food under specified conditions.
Dietary Supplements
Chlorophyllin is suitable for tablets, capsules, drink powders, liquid drops, sachets, effervescent systems, and wellness formulations. It can be used in products positioned around plant-derived green ingredients, internal freshness, deodorizing concepts, antioxidant-positioned benefits, and botanical nutrition, depending on local supplement regulations and allowed claims.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Chlorophyllin can be used in cosmetic and personal care products where green color, botanical positioning, skin-conditioning concepts, or deodorizing support are desired. It may be suitable for creams, lotions, gels, masks, cleansers, soaps, shampoos, deodorant products, oral care products, and specialty skincare formulations, depending on local cosmetic regulations and ingredient grade.
Oral Care and Deodorizing Products
Chlorophyllin is commonly associated with odor-control and freshness-positioned applications. It may be used in mouthwash, toothpaste, breath fresheners, deodorizing tablets, body-care products, and internal deodorant-style products where permitted. Product claims and dosage should be carefully reviewed according to local regulations.
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Research
Chlorophyllin may be used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biological research involving chlorophyll derivatives, copper chlorophyllin complexes, colorant systems, antioxidant mechanisms, deodorizing applications, and botanical-derived functional ingredients. Commercial use in health-related products should be supported by appropriate regulatory review, safety evaluation, purity control, and product documentation.
Specialty Formulations and R&D
Chlorophyllin can be used in specialty formulation development, color matching, analytical testing, natural-origin color systems, and product innovation projects requiring a water-soluble green pigment or chlorophyll-derived compound.
Formulation Benefits
Chlorophyllin provides a useful combination of green color, water-solubility, botanical origin, and broad formulation compatibility. It is especially suitable for:
Green food and beverage color systems requiring water-soluble pigment options.
Dietary supplements positioned around chlorophyll-derived wellness ingredients.
Liquid drops, drink powders, tablets, and capsules requiring green botanical appeal.
Cosmetic and personal care formulas requiring chlorophyllin-copper complex ingredients.
Oral care and deodorizing formulations requiring freshness-positioned ingredients.
Specialty formulations where natural-origin green color and water dispersibility are desired.
Research and development involving chlorophyll derivatives and copper complexes.
Regulatory Note
The permitted use of Chlorophyllin depends on the destination market, product grade, salt form, copper content, manufacturing process, intended application, dosage level, and final product claims. For food, beverage, supplement, cosmetic, feed, pharmaceutical, or industrial use, customers should confirm local regulatory status, approved application scope, maximum use levels, labeling requirements, purity criteria, heavy metal limits, and claim restrictions before commercialization.
Chlorophyllin may be regulated differently depending on whether it is supplied as sodium copper chlorophyllin, potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin, chlorophyllin-copper complex, a cosmetic ingredient, a food color additive, a supplement ingredient, or a research chemical. The presence of an INCI name, CAS number, color additive listing, or database listing does not automatically mean that Chlorophyllin is approved for every use or every market. Customers should review the product COA, specification, Safety Data Sheet, and applicable local regulations before use.
Packaging and Storage
Store Chlorophyllin in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly closed after opening. Protect from moisture, heat, direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases, strong odors, and incompatible materials. Because chlorophyll-derived pigments may be sensitive to light, pH, heat, and oxidation, proper packaging and storage are recommended to help maintain color strength and product quality. Use appropriate protective equipment and follow the product label, COA, and Safety Data Sheet during handling.
Suggested Short Listing Copy
Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble chlorophyll-derived green pigment commonly supplied as sodium copper chlorophyllin or related copper chlorophyllin complexes. It is used in food color systems, dietary supplements, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, oral care, deodorizing products, pharmaceutical research, and specialty formulations. With its characteristic green color, plant-derived origin, and versatile application profile, Chlorophyllin is suitable for manufacturers seeking a functional green ingredient for modern wellness, beauty, color, and specialty product development.
Conclusion
Chlorophyllin is a versatile chlorophyll-derived ingredient for manufacturers seeking a water-soluble green pigment with botanical appeal and broad formulation flexibility. Its copper chlorophyllin complex profile, strong green color, and application potential make it suitable for food color systems, dietary supplements, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, oral care, deodorizing products, research applications, and specialty formulations. Overall, Chlorophyllin is a practical choice for product developers requiring a stable, functional, and high-quality chlorophyll-derived ingredient.
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