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Fullerene C60 (INCI name: FULLERENES) is a nanosized spherical molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a unique hollow cage structure resembling a soccer ball. Also known as Buckminsterfullerene or Buckyball, this carbon allotrope was discovered in 1985 by Kroto, Curl, and Smalley — a breakthrough that earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. The discovery of the soccer ball-shaped C60 molecule opened up an entirely new branch of carbon chemistry, leading to extensive research into the unique properties of fullerenes and their potential applications across various industries.
In cosmetics, Fullerene C60 functions as a super antioxidant with radical scavenging capacity reportedly exceeding that of vitamin C by over 250 times. Its exceptionally high chemical stability, resistance to UV degradation, and multi-functional biological activities make it a versatile active ingredient for anti-aging, whitening, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier repair formulations. Fullerene C60 is listed in China's Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients (IECIC) under serial No. 02372, with a maximum historical use concentration of 3% for leave-on products. The ingredient is particularly well-established in the Japanese, Chinese, and broader Asian cosmetic markets, where it is prized for its high functionality, safety profile, and abundant clinical data.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Fullerenes |
| CAS No. | 99685-96-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C60 |
| Molecular Weight | 720.64 – 720.66 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | (C60-Ih)[5,6]fullerene |
| MDL Number | MFCD00151408 / MFCD00282904 |
| PubChem CID | 123591 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:33128 |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black crystalline powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | 99% – 99.9% (cosmetic grade >= 99% typical) |
| Melting Point | > 280 °C (decomposes) |
| Boiling Point | 500 – 600 °C (sublimes) |
| Density | 1.65 g/cm3 (crystal); 5.568 g/cm3 (powder) |
| Flash Point | 94 °C |
| LogP | 5.800 (est) |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents (toluene, benzene, DMSO); insoluble in water |
| InChI Key | XMWRBQBLMFGWIX-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | C1=C2C3=C4C5=C1C6=C7C8=C2C9=C10C3=C11C4=C12C5=C13C6=C14C7=C8C9=C15C10=C11C12=C13C14=C15 |
| Stability | UV, heat, and pH stable |
| GHS Hazard Statements | H319 (Causes serious eye irritation); H335 (May cause respiratory irritation) |
| GHS Precautionary Statements | P261, P264, P271, P280, P304+P340+P312, P305+P351+P338 |
| Storage Temperature | Keep in dark place, inert atmosphere, room temperature |
| Risk Substances | None identified |
* Specifications may vary slightly by manufacturer; always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch.
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Super Antioxidant | Scavenges ROS and free radicals; antioxidant capacity >250x vitamin C; prevents UV-induced oxidative damage |
| Anti-Wrinkle | Clinically proven to reduce wrinkle formation and skin roughness with twice-daily use over 8 weeks |
| Whitening / Brightening | Significantly inhibits melanin production via tyrosinase suppression; effective at 0.001% in animal models |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Reduces neutrophil infiltration at inflammation sites; calms irritated skin |
| Skin Barrier Repair | Promotes skin regeneration and wound healing; reduces TEWL; improves barrier function |
| Pore Tightening | Helps refine enlarged pores through oil control and antioxidant activity |
| Hair Growth Support | Stimulates hair follicle proliferation; increases hair growth rate |
| Anti-Acne | Reduces skin oil oxidation; improves acne-prone skin condition |
| Sun Protection Synergy | Enhances functional performance of TiO2-containing sunscreens by scavenging photocatalyzed ROS |
Recommended Applications: Anti-aging serums and creams, whitening/brightening formulations, antioxidant boosters, sunscreens and after-sun care, pore-tightening products, acne treatment products, hair growth serums, skin barrier repair creams, facial masks, toners, lotions, eye contour treatments, makeup primers.
Recommended Concentration:
| Application | Recommended Dosage in Final Formulation |
|---|---|
| General Skincare | 0.1% – 1.0% |
| Antioxidant Serums | 0.5% – 1.0% |
| Creams & Lotions | 0.1% – 0.5% |
| Special Efficacy (Anti-aging / Repair) | 1.0% – 2.0% (subject to safety testing) |
| Oil-based Formulations (e.g., with squalane) | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Masks / Ampoules | 1.0% – 2.0% (short-term use only) |
| Maximum historical use (China IECIC) | Leave-on products: 3%; Eye area leave-on: 3% |
| Security threshold (most studies) | <= 1.0% — safe, not significantly irritating |
* High concentrations (>2%) may require additional safety verification (e.g., skin irritation, phototoxicity testing).
Critical Solubility Consideration: Fullerene C60 is inherently insoluble in water. For successful incorporation into cosmetic formulations, it must be pre-dispersed or pre-dissolved using appropriate carriers. Commercially available pre-formulated solutions include:
pH Stability: Fullerene ingredients exhibit high stability across a wide pH range and are not pH-sensitive.
Thermal & UV Stability: Fullerene ingredients are stable against heat and UV light, and can contribute to the stabilization of other active ingredients in the formulation.
Addition Protocol:
Formulation Compatibility:
Incompatible Ingredients: No significant incompatibilities reported; however, avoid co-formulation with strong oxidizing agents that may compete with the antioxidant function.
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Short-term storage | Room temperature, sealed, protected from light, inert atmosphere |
| Long-term storage | Keep in dark place, inert gas (N2 or Ar), room temperature |
| Shelf life | 24 – 36 months under recommended storage conditions |
| Transport temperature | Ambient acceptable |
| Protection | Protect from light; keep container tightly closed; store in a cool, dry place |
| Handling precautions | Use dust mask (N95 or equivalent), eyeshields, and gloves |
| Flammability | Highly flammable; keep away from sources of ignition |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Available package sizes (powder) | 25 mg, 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g, 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg |
| Available package sizes (solution) | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg (pre-dispersed in squalane or water-soluble carriers) |
| Available forms | Sublimed powder (99% – 99.9% purity); pre-dissolved oil-based solutions (e.g., 0.1% – 1% active); water-soluble encapsulated forms; fullerenol solutions |
| Standard packaging | Sealed glass vials or aluminum pouches under inert atmosphere (powder); HDPE or aluminum bottles (solution) |
| Minimum order quantity (MOQ) | 25 mg – 1 g (research grade); commercial quantities available upon request |
| Sample availability | Samples available upon request |
| Certifications | COA, MSDS/SDS, TDS available; GMP-compliant manufacturing; Halal certification available for some derivatives |
| Custom synthesis | Available upon request (e.g., specific fullerene derivatives, custom purity grades, water-soluble formulations) |
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