Introduction
Cyclodextrins belong to the oligosaccharides. They consist of several glucose molecules linked together in a ring. The structure of these glucose rings is always conical. Cyclodextrins are named differently depending on the number of glucose units: a ring of six glucose units is called alpha-cyclodextrin, a ring of seven glucose units is called beta-cyclodextrin, a ring of eight glucose units is called gamma-cyclodextrin, and a ring of nine glucose units is called delta-cyclodextrin. In biotechnology, cyclodextrins are mainly obtained through the enzymatic breakdown of starch (for example, from corn or potatoes). In industry, cyclodextrins are considered true molecular sugar bags. The reason: they are able to enclose lipophilic substances inside themselves and thus change their properties.
Advantages of using cyclodextrin
Cyclodextrins are particularly common in the food, cosmetics, and household goods industries. Among other things, they serve as stabilizers for various flavorings and effectively eliminate unpleasant tastes or odors. This improves the quality of food and luxury foods. Examples include masking bitter substances in grapefruit juice, coffee, and tea, and masking unpleasant odors in fish or garlic oil.
Another advantage is that flavors such as vanillin, menthol, cinnamon, or orange oil in the form of cyclodextrin complexes are significantly less sensitive to light, oxygen, heat, and humidity. This increases their shelf life. In addition, new areas of application for cyclodextrins in the food industry have been opening up for several years. Researchers are investigating, for example, the use of cyclodextrins to reduce the cholesterol content of butter, cheese, and eggs.
Cyclodextrins in cosmetics
Natural cyclodextrins are particularly suitable for use in cosmetics, where their main purpose is also to act as stabilizers. In anti-aging products, for example, they are often used as stabilizers for linoleic acid, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol. These substances provide lasting protection for the lipid molecules in cell membranes against oxidative destruction and prevent premature skin aging. However, they are actually highly sensitive to higher temperatures, atmospheric oxygen, and UV radiation. The use of cyclodextrin complexes significantly increases the stability of preparations containing linoleic acid, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol. In addition, these valuable additives have another positive effect: they prolong or intensify the effect by releasing the aforementioned substances from their cavity in a controlled manner. Cyclodextrins can also be used in cosmetics to encapsulate or mask unwanted odors. Examples of this are odors that normally arise during targeted self-tanning of the skin with dihydroxyacetone or when bleaching the skin with substances such as glutathione. Cyclodextrins make the use of such products much more pleasant.
Beta-cyclodextrin is a food additive (E 459)
In food, cyclodextrins form “starch cages” in which flavors, for example, can be “locked in” so that they do not escape from the product (e.g., powdered drinks) during storage. At the same time, the flavors are protected from the adverse effects of atmospheric oxygen. This makes some flavors bake-stable, so that they only emerge when consumed.
In grapefruit juice, coffee products, etc., they mask the bitter taste. E 459 removes the unpleasant metallic aftertaste of sweeteners.
Controlled release of molecules
And that’s not all: the effect of release control can also be used in many ways in cosmetics manufacturing. Ingredients that determine effectiveness are packaged in cyclodextrin microcapsules. In this way, researchers have been able to achieve a uniform and continuous release of menthol in after-sun products, which provides users with a long-lasting, pleasantly cooling effect. Cyclodextrins are also used in various acne preparations to achieve continuous release and thus a lasting antibacterial effect.
Cyclodextrins were first produced in pure form in 1891. Their function has been known for more than 50 years, but it is only in the last 30 years or so that they and their applications have been researched more intensively. Cyclodextrins are generally stable in alkaline solutions. In acidic solutions, however, they are broken down into individual glucose units.
The advantages at a glance:
Cyclodextrins perform important and indispensable functions in cosmetic products, as they stabilize, prolong or intensify the effect and prevent unpleasant odors. They are also waterproof and skin-friendly. There are virtually no disadvantages. Only in pharmaceuticals is some caution advised. For example, cyclodextrins used in eye drops could accumulate in the cornea. However, this negative effect can be eliminated by adjusting the concentration ratios. This means that these compounds are not only among the most effective and compatible additives in cosmetics.
We use the active ingredient cyclodextrin described above in our high-quality private label products, which meet the highest standards of effectiveness, skin compatibility, and innovation. We combine proven ingredients with modern biotechnological developments to create tailor-made formulations that meet the individual needs of your target group. Our focus is on quality, transparency, and the optimal synergy of all ingredients – for visible results and a compelling brand experience.
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