Tetrahydrocurcumin 98%

Tetrahydrocurcumin is a hydrogenated curcumin derivative and a defined diarylheptanoid phytochemical associated with Curcuma longa rhizome. Reduction of the conjugated double bonds changes the molecule’s color and stability profile while retaining its phenolic, methoxy, and β-diketone structural features. The commercial ingredient is supplied as a concentrated powder for cosmetic applications.

Essencefield supplies Tetrahydrocurcumin 98%, with the primary commercial grade standardized to ≥98% tetrahydrocurcumin by HPLC. The specification is based on the individual target compound rather than total tetrahydrocurcuminoids, making analyte identity, assay method, chromatographic profile, and formulation behavior important criteria for technical evaluation and ingredient sourcing.

SKU: BOT-PHY-0004 Categories: Phytochemicals, Lignans, Quinones & Specialty Phytochemicals Tags: Curcuminoids, Diarylheptanoids, Dietary Supplements, Joint Support, Tetrahydrocurcumin

Ingredient Profile & Common Uses

Tetrahydrocurcumin, also known as tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, is chemically identified as 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)heptane-3,5-dione. It is obtained through hydrogenation of a curcumin starting material associated with Curcuma longa rhizome. As a purified phytochemical, it is commercially distinct from turmeric powder, conventional curcuminoid concentrates, and mixed hydrogenated curcuminoid preparations.

The 98% grade is defined by tetrahydrocurcumin as the principal analyte, with HPLC serving as the main commercial assay method. This distinction matters because products sold as tetrahydrocurcuminoids may represent a mixture of hydrogenated curcuminoid derivatives rather than ≥98% of the individual target compound. Buyers should therefore evaluate both the stated percentage and the analyte to which that percentage applies.

The material is primarily evaluated for cosmetic and personal-care systems where strong yellow coloration is undesirable. Its reduced conjugated structure gives a substantially less intense visible color profile and improved chemical stability, while limited aqueous solubility makes vehicle selection, pre-solubilization, dispersion behavior, and precipitation control important considerations during product development.

Application Areas

Leave-On Creams & Lotions

Used in facial and body-care emulsions where formulators require a curcumin-related phytochemical without introducing the intense yellow coloration associated with conventional curcuminoid ingredients.

Facial Serums & Concentrates

Suitable for concentrated topical systems when an appropriate solvent, carrier, emulsion phase, or delivery approach is used to manage limited direct water solubility.

Cosmetic Formulation Development

Used by R&D and contract-formulation teams for prototype screening, vehicle selection, compatibility studies, stability evaluation, and development of antioxidant-focused personal-care systems.

Typical Specifications

Parameter	Specification / Reference Information
Product Name	Tetrahydrocurcumin 98%
Compound Name	Tetrahydrocurcumin
Chemical Name	1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)heptane-3,5-dione
Synonym	Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
INCI Name	TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN
CAS Number	36062-04-1
EC Number	609-201-3
UNII	00U0645U03
PubChem CID	124072
Molecular Formula	C21H24O6
Molecular Weight	372.4 g/mol
Chemical Class	Diarylheptanoid · Polyphenol · Beta-diketone
Ingredient Type	Purified Phytochemical
Product Form	Powder
Primary Specification	≥98% Tetrahydrocurcumin
Analytical Method	HPLC
Water Behavior	Poorly water-soluble

Compound Identity & Hydrogenation Profile

Tetrahydrocurcumin retains the two substituted aromatic rings and β-diketone functionality characteristic of its parent structure, while hydrogenation converts the conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds in the central chain to saturated bonds. The resulting compound has the molecular formula C21H24O6 and a molecular weight of 372.4 g/mol.

This structural reduction alters the extended conjugation responsible for much of curcumin’s visible yellow color. The resulting compound therefore has a less intense color profile and greater chemical stability, characteristics that are particularly relevant when evaluating the ingredient for cosmetic systems in which finished-product appearance and stability are important.

For procurement, the reported assay should identify the target analyte clearly. A percentage assigned specifically to tetrahydrocurcumin is not analytically interchangeable with a percentage reported as total hydrogenated curcuminoids. Reviewing the analyte definition together with the HPLC assay provides a more reliable basis for comparing commercial grades.

Technical & Quality Considerations

HPLC assay and compound identity are central analytical considerations for the 98% grade. Chromatographic evaluation helps distinguish the target compound from residual starting materials and other hydrogenated derivatives. For material produced through catalytic hydrogenation, conversion completeness and relevant process-related contaminants are also meaningful quality considerations beyond the headline purity percentage.

Tetrahydrocurcumin is poorly soluble in water and should not be treated as a freely water-soluble botanical ingredient. Its reduced conjugated structure provides a lower visible color intensity and favorable chemical stability, but apparent dispersion in an aqueous formulation does not necessarily indicate molecular dissolution. Formulators should evaluate its behavior within the actual finished-product vehicle.

During scale-up, R&D teams should consider pre-solubilization, premixing, solvent or carrier compatibility, phase selection, and order of addition. Finished prototypes should be evaluated for precipitation, recrystallization, settling, color change, and distribution after processing and storage, particularly when laboratory formulas are transferred to larger batches with different mixing energy and cooling profiles.

Packaging & Commercial Supply

Essencefield supports product evaluation, formulation trials, commercial orders, and ongoing ingredient supply. Packaging, storage, and shipping arrangements are determined by product characteristics, order quantity, stability requirements, and destination-market needs.

Supply Item	General Information
Sample	Available upon request for formulation, testing, and supplier evaluation
Order Quantities	100 g · 1 kg · 5 kg · 25 kg · 100 kg · 500 kg · Bulk
Sample Lead Time	Typically 5–7 days after sample confirmation
Production Lead Time	Typically 15–30 days after order and specification confirmation
Packaging	Suitable protective inner packaging with bags, cartons, drums, or other appropriate outer packaging
Storage	Store in tightly sealed, suitable protective packaging in a cool, dry environment. Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Specific storage conditions follow the approved product specification.
Documentation	COA · Product Specification · TDS · SDS · Applicable declarations (as applicable)

Final order quantities, lead times, packaging, documentation, and shipping arrangements are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial requirements.