Tetrahydrocurcumin Powder Manufacturer/Supplier/Factory
Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is derived from Curcuma longa rhizome and synthesized from curcumin via catalytic hydrogenation-reduction process. It is a key active metabolite of curcumin produced during human metabolism. Compared with curcumin, this ingredient delivers superior photothermal stability without pigment-staining issues. It targets tyrosinase to help modulate melanin production, while exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and free-radical-scavenging effects to soothe and repair inflamed skin damage. As a premium functional raw material, tetrahydrocurcumin is widely adopted in skincare products for brightening & spot fading, anti-aging and skin-barrier repair. It is also applicable to dietary supplements and functional foods, and can serve as a pharmaceutical intermediate for relevant research and development.
Healthkintai® specializes in the R&D and production of plant extracts. We supply a full range of turmeric extract series, with high-purity bulk tetrahydrocurcumin powder as our flagship product. Its purity reaches over 98% with stable performance, well-suited for formula development in both cosmetics and dietary supplements. Custom specifications are available according to clients' practical application scenarios to support the development of brightening skincare and oral functional products. Contact us at health@kintaibio.com for samples and technical support.

The Regulatory Status of Tetrahydrocurcumin
In the US
Tetrahydrocurcuminoids is a dietary supplement ingredient under the DSHEA framework, subject to company-led GRAS self-determination instead of official FDA approval. It may be used in dietary supplements and cosmetics. No mandatory statutory daily intake limit is set by regulation, and manufacturers shall conduct safety assessments on their own and ensure label compliance.
In the EU
Tetrahydrocurcuminoids mixture is classified as a Novel Food and included in the EU official list with a 5-year data-protection period. It is permitted only in adult food supplements and shall not be used in conventional foods and beverages. The maximum daily intake is limited to 140 mg, and it is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
The COA of Tetrahydrocurcumin Powder from KINTAI

Tetrahydrocurcumin Solubility
|
Solvent |
Solubility Behavior |
Reference Solubility |
|
Water |
Practically insoluble |
~9.4 mg/L (0.0094 mg/mL) |
|
DMSO |
Freely soluble |
70-100 mg/mL, sonication aids dissolution |
|
Anhydrous Ethanol |
Soluble |
50-74 mg/mL |
|
Acetone |
Soluble |
Approx. 30-50 mg/mL |
|
PEG-400 |
Good solubility |
20-40 mg/mL (widely used in cosmetics) |
|
Propylene Glycol |
Slightly to moderately soluble |
Solubility improves with heating; poor cold solubility |
|
Glycerin |
Practically insoluble |
Hard to dissolve |
|
Vegetable Oils (Soybean Oil, Corn Oil, MCT Oil) |
Soluble |
10-30 mg/mL; solubility rises significantly under heating |
Note: Native tetrahydrocurcumin is NOT water‑soluble. Commercial "water‑soluble tetrahydrocurcumin" refers to complexed/modified products instead of pristine raw material.
Addressing the pain points of conventional tetrahydrocurcumin, such as poor water-solubility, tendency to precipitate, low photothermal stability and limited formulation compatibility, the R&D team of Healthkintai® has made innovative breakthroughs in cyclodextrin encapsulation modification technology. It comprehensively optimizes the application performance of the raw material and adapts to various cosmetic formulation systems. The modified tetrahydrocurcumin requires no pre-dissolution with solvents and can be added directly into water. Compatible with aqueous, oil and emulsion systems, it delivers superior formulation compatibility and enables easy production of high-clarity aqueous formulations and high-loading active serums.
Tetrahydrocurcumin Melting Point
For high-purity standard tetrahydro curcumin, the mainstream melting point range is 95-97 ℃. Subject to crystal form, sample purity and residual solvents, measured values may fluctuate between 92-94 ℃ or 98-102 ℃. For industrial-grade products containing trace tetrahydrocurcumin-related homolog impurities, the melting range will be correspondingly broadened. A distinct endothermic melting peak can be observed via DSC thermal analysis. This substance melts before reaching its decomposition temperature with no obvious pre-decomposition behavior.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin Vs. Tetrahydrocurcumin
Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a natural curcuminoid component from turmeric. It retains conjugated double-bonds and appears yellow; it is resistant to glucuronidation and features outstanding photostability. It mainly targets the NF-κB pathway with stronger in-vitro activities in anti-inflammation, cell regulation and anti-tumor effects, yet its oral bioavailability remains limited, and it is mostly applied in dietary supplements.
Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a hydrogenated and reduced metabolite of curcumin, has saturated conjugated double-bonds and is colorless. It exhibits excellent photothermal stability and functions primarily by direct free-radical scavenging for antioxidation and anti-glycation. Its anti-inflammatory potency is weaker than BDMC, while it shows better potential for blood-brain-barrier penetration and favorable skin compatibility, though subject to significant first-pass metabolism. It suits oral antioxidant formulations as well as color-free skincare formulas.
The two ingredients are frequently used synergistically: BDMC governs the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, whereas THC focuses on protection against oxidative stress and glycation-induced damage.
Tetrahydrocurcumin Vs. Curcumin
Curcumin is the primary active component in turmeric, while tetrahydrocurcumin is a metabolic derivative obtained via hydrogenation-reduction of curcumin. Curcumin features an α,β-unsaturated double bond in its molecule and exhibits potent in-vitro antioxidant activity. However, it suffers from poor water solubility and extremely low oral bioavailability; it is poorly absorbed in vivo and most of it is excreted directly. Tetrahydrocurcumin lacks this unsaturated double bond, bringing about greatly improved stability and superior lipophilicity, as well as markedly enhanced oral absorption and utilization. It targets inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress and skin whitening via tyrosinase inhibition. Nevertheless, its direct free-radical-scavenging capacity in vitro is weaker than that of curcumin. The two substances also show distinct differences in application scenarios and dosage ranges.

|
Comparison Items |
Curcumin |
Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) |
|
Chemical Structure |
Contains α,β-unsaturated conjugated double bond; CAS: 458-37-7 |
Hydrogenated-reduction product of curcumin with saturated double bond; CAS: 36062-04-1 |
|
Primary Source |
Naturally extracted from turmeric rhizome |
Mostly prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of curcumin; natural content is extremely low |
|
In-vitro Antioxidant Activity |
Strong, excellent direct free-radical-scavenging capacity |
Moderate, weaker than curcumin; exerts effects mainly by regulating endogenous antioxidant pathways |
|
Bioavailability |
Extremely low. Poor water-solubility, prone to metabolic degradation, low blood concentration after oral intake |
Significantly higher. Good lipophilicity, favourable metabolic stability in vivo, easier for bodily absorption |
|
Core Mechanisms of Action |
Inhibits NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways; antioxidant; supports joint and metabolic health; potent in-vitro bioactivity |
Inhibits NF-κB inflammatory pathway; tyrosinase inhibition for skin brightening; antioxidant; mitochondrial protection; limited direct in-vitro free-radical quenching |
|
Typical Application Fields |
Dietary supplements: joint care, systemic anti-inflammation, metabolic support; food colorant |
Cosmetic raw material: skin brightening, anti-oxidation & anti-inflammation;dietary supplements: internal anti-inflammation, skin health; dominant usage in cosmetics |
|
Stability |
Susceptible to degradation and discoloration under light and heat, environmentally sensitive |
Excellent stability against light and heat, resistant to discoloration, formulation-friendly for processing |
|
Solubility |
Practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in oils |
Good lipophilicity, soluble in vegetable oils and partial organic solvents |
|
Common Dosage Range |
Dietary supplement: 500-2000 mg/day, often combined with black pepper extract (piperine) to boost absorption |
Oral supplement: 100-500 mg/day;cosmetic addition level: generally 0.1-2% |
|
Limitations |
Poor absorption requiring absorption-enhancing excipients; high formulation difficulty; tendency for discoloration |
Weaker direct free-radical-scavenging ability; scarce natural sources, mostly produced via chemical conversion |
What Are the Benefits of Tetrahydrocurcumin for Skin?
Tetrahydrocurcumin forSkin Tone
Tetrahydrocurcumin acts on targets including tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 under in-vitro conditions and modulates MITF transcription factors to interfere with pathways related to melanin production. Meanwhile, it regulates cutaneous inflammatory signaling responses to reduce pigment-related stress reactions triggered by external stimuli. It helps improve visual concerns such as uneven skin tone and pigment deposition, and lowers the potential risk of pigment darkening when skin is exposed to irritants.
Antioxidant Tetrahydrocurcumin
Supports skin antioxidant defense against external oxidative stress Tetrahydrocurcumin exhibits in-vitro free-radical-scavenging activity. It helps neutralize reactive oxygen species generated by UV rays and environmental pollutants, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and alleviates the burden of oxidative stress on keratinocytes and dermal collagen. Compared with native curcumin, this ingredient features superior chemical stability. It assists in mitigating negative skin impacts caused by free radicals and improves dull appearance induced by oxidation. It serves only as an auxiliary antioxidant raw material and shall not replace sunscreen products.
Anti-inflammatory Tetrahydrocurcumin
Soothes skin discomfort and helps maintain stable skin condition Tetrahydrocurcumin targets the NF-κB signaling pathway and modulates the release of signaling molecules such as TNF-α and IL-6 to alleviate micro-stress responses on the skin surface. It helps ease visual discomforts including redness and burning sensation, mitigates external irritation caused by UV exposure, and supports comfortable skin status for sensitive skin types while reducing adverse skin outcomes from stress. Featuring good mildness, this raw material is suitable for formulation development for diverse skin types.

Tetrahydrocurcumin Uses
Tetrahydrocurcumin in Sinkcare Products
THC is a commonly-used active ingredient in cosmetics. Featuring light color and low staining tendency, it is suitable for formulation systems such as transparent serums, aqueous solutions and gels which are incompatible with ordinary curcumin. Its typical dosage ranges from 0.5-4%. It is widely applied in brightening and spot-fading serums, post-acne mark repair products, anti-aging creams, after-sun soothing gels, facial masks and post-procedure calming lotions. It is also used in small amounts for scalp-care hair-washing products. It can be compounded with mainstream functional raw materials including niacinamide, tranexamic acid and glabridin, and fits various dosage forms such as essence water, stock solutions, lotions and creams, making it a highly compatible option for high-performance skincare formulations.

Tetrahydrocurcumin in Dietary Supplements
THC is a popular ingredient in the overseas dietary-supplement market. Compared with ordinary curcumin, it delivers good absorption without extra encapsulation. Its light-colored powder will not cause yellow discoloration in finished products. It is mainly processed into hard capsules, softgels, tablets and powders, and widely used in joint-support, liver-care and comprehensive antioxidant supplements. Frequently compounded with urolithin A, resveratrol and glucosamine, it fits compliant dietary-supplement formulations for Europe and North America, while daily dosage shall comply with regulatory limits in respective regions.

Tetrahydrocurcumin Side Effects/Tetrahydrocurcumin Hazards
Tetrahydrocurcumin is generally well-tolerated. Most people experience no obvious adverse reactions at standard dietary supplement dosages, while a small number may develop gastrointestinal symptoms including mild nausea, bloating, diarrhea or stomach burning, with a higher incidence when taken on an empty stomach. It exerts mild anti-platelet aggregation effects; long-term high-dose use may raise bleeding risks for individuals taking anticoagulant or anti-platelet medications.
Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to take it without medical consultation due to insufficient safety data. Rare cases of mild skin allergies have been reported, and high-dose intake may slightly impair liver function in certain populations. Therefore, long-term consumption above recommended doses is not recommended, and special-population users should consult a physician prior to use.
Where to Buy Tetrahydrocurcumin Powder?
Healthkintai® focuses on the R&D, production and global supply of skincare ingredients. Within our turmeric extract product portfolio, tetrahydrocurcumin powder serves as a preferred ingredient for skincare formulations thanks to its excellent skin-friendly properties and application performance.
Our production is carried out in strict compliance with GMP standards in professional clean workshops. Full-process control is implemented covering raw material screening, extraction & purification, and finished-product packaging. Key indicators including heavy metals and microorganisms of finished products are kept well within industry compliance limits with consistent and reliable quality. Supporting COA test reports are available.
This ingredient is suitable for developing various skincare formulations such as serums, lotions, creams and face masks. Cosmetic brands, formulators and raw-material distributors are welcome to contact us at health@kintaibio.com for business cooperation.

FAQ
Q: Is tetrahydrocurcumin a steroid?
A: Tetrahydrocurcumin is not a steroid, it is a major active metabolite of curcumin derived from turmeric, classified as a phenolic compound, featuring a diphenylheptane chemical-structure instead of the characteristic fourring cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene skeleton that defines steroid molecules; it exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects by modulating multiple signaling pathways rather than binding to steroid receptors, and it has no steroid-related hormonal activity.
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