Curcumin Phytosome

Curcumin Phytosome at a glance

Curcumin Phytosome is a turmeric based active from Italy. It is a yellow to orange powder in which curcumin, the main active compound of turmeric, is bound to phosphatidylcholine. The INCI on the label is Curcumin Phytosome. The supplier gives a clear dose table for different products, from 0.1% in shampoos to 3% in face masks.

Turmeric and curcumin

Turmeric, Curcuma longa, is a root from South Asia, famous as a spice and as a symbol of Indian beauty traditions, where turmeric masks are part of wedding rituals. Its golden color comes from curcumin, a polyphenol with strong antioxidant activity. The challenge with curcumin is that it is poorly soluble and hard for the body and the skin to take up.

What a phytosome is

A phytosome is a plant compound bound to phosphatidylcholine, the main phospholipid of cell membranes and of lecithin. The phospholipid acts like a carrier and improves the uptake of curcumin compared with classic turmeric extracts.

What it does in skin care

In cosmetics, Curcumin Phytosome is used in appearance-focused cosmetic products for its antioxidant and soothing properties. In brightening products it supports a more even looking tone. In soothing lotions and gels it suits sensitive and stressed skin. In masks it gives an intensive care moment, and in after sun products it helps the skin feel calm and look less red. In shampoos and conditioners it supports a comfortable scalp.

The supplier's dose table

appearance-focused cosmetic creams and serums use 0.5 to 2%. Brightening products use 0.2 to 1%. Soothing lotions and gels use 0.1 to 0.5%. Face masks use 1 to 3%. After sun products use 0.5 to 1%. Shampoos and conditioners use 0.1 to 0.5%.

How to formulate

Disperse the powder in a little glycerin or in the water phase with good stirring, or add it to the finished emulsion at cool-down. It is a strong yellow to orange pigment, so even low doses color the product. This suits golden glow serums and turmeric masks, but not white creams. Protect the product from light. A golden serum can combine it with niacinamide, and a soothing gel can add bisabolol for extra comfort. More antioxidant actives are listed in the cosmetic actives section.

Product ideas

Golden glow serums, turmeric face masks, antioxidant day creams, brightening creams, soothing gels for sensitive skin, after sun lotions and scalp care shampoos are the main concepts.

Sample recipe: turmeric glow mask, 100 g

Distilled water 64.00 g, kaolin 20.00 g, glycerin 5.00 g, bentonite 3.00 g, Curcumin Phytosome 2.00 g, niacinamide 2.00 g, xanthan gum 0.50 g, panthenol 1.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, honey extract 1.50 g. Disperse xanthan gum in glycerin, add the water, stir in kaolin and bentonite until smooth, add the curcumin phytosome, niacinamide, panthenol, honey extract and the preservative, and check the pH at about 6.

Staining

Curcumin can stain fabrics, towels and the skin itself slightly yellow at high doses. Keep masks at the recommended level, advise rinsing well and choose packaging that does not show stains.

Hair care

The supplier gives 0.1 to 0.5% for shampoos and conditioners, where curcumin supports the comfort of the scalp. At these low levels the color is mild. Choose warm fragrances such as ginger or amber to match the turmeric story.

Light protection

Curcumin is sensitive to light and loses color and activity when it is exposed for a long time. Use opaque tubes, jars or airless packs and keep the finished product away from direct sunlight.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place protected from light. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.