Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC, CAS 36062-04-1, molecular formula C₂₁H₂₄O₆, MW 372.41) is a colorless hydrogenated derivative of curcumin, produced by catalytic reduction of the conjugated double bonds in the curcumin heptadienone chain. It retains the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of curcumin while offering significant advantages for cosmetic applications: it is colorless (will not stain skin or formulations yellow), exhibits superior chemical stability, and demonstrates enhanced skin-lightening activity through tyrosinase inhibition. Chinese manufacturers produce tetrahydrocurcumin at specialized fine chemical facilities in Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces with annual capacities of several hundred metric tons.
Tetrahydrocurcumin is a premium cosmetic active ingredient used in skin-whitening, anti-aging, and antioxidant formulations. It is also the major in vivo metabolite of curcumin, meaning supplementation with THC may provide higher bioavailability of the active curcuminoid form. Chinese producers offer THC in purities from 95% to ≥98% HPLC, synthesized from natural curcumin through selective catalytic hydrogenation.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22716, and pharmaceutical quality certifications. Quality testing includes assay (HPLC), color evaluation (must be white to off-white), residual curcumin content, solvent residues, catalyst residues (palladium), heavy metals, water content, and microbial limits. Products meet cosmetic ingredient specifications and USP dietary supplement standards.
Manufacturing involves selective catalytic hydrogenation of natural curcumin extract using palladium on carbon (Pd/C) catalyst under controlled hydrogen pressure. The reaction selectively reduces the two conjugated double bonds while preserving the β-diketone moiety. Post-hydrogenation processing includes catalyst filtration, solvent removal, and crystallization. Palladium residue is controlled below 10 ppm through effective catalyst removal procedures. Product color is a critical quality attribute, verified instrumentally to confirm complete conversion from yellow curcumin.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 36062-04-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₁H₂₄O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 372.41 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥95% (standard) / ≥98% (premium) |
| Residual Curcumin | <2.0% |
| Palladium Residue | <10 ppm |
| Loss on Drying | ≤2.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Application | Cosmetic active, nutraceutical |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Tetrahydrocurcumin is packed in 1 kg, 5 kg, or 25 kg aluminum foil bags within fiber drums, stored under cool, dry conditions protected from light. Lead time is 10–15 business days. FOB from Shanghai, Chengdu, or Nanjing; CIF and DDP terms available.
Light-protective packaging preserves product whiteness and stability. Documentation includes CoA, SDS, HPLC chromatograms, and stability data.
China Supply Advantage
China’s integrated curcumin extraction and hydrogenation capabilities provide an efficient tetrahydrocurcumin production chain, delivering competitive pricing 30–50% below European and Japanese specialty ingredient suppliers. Advanced catalytic chemistry expertise ensures consistent product quality with controlled impurity profiles. Chinese THC producers serve global cosmetic ingredient distributors, contract manufacturers, and brand owners with responsive supply chain management and custom purity specifications.