Ingredient fundamentals
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino-acid derivative found in certain fungi, plants and animals. For cosmetic formulation, it is best evaluated as a defined active whose identity, assay basis, supplied form and stability are confirmed before sampling. It is not an extract ratio or a finished-product claim: useful procurement questions include whether the grade is neat or carried, how the assay is reported, and how it behaves in water, emulsion and light-exposed systems.
Background & origin
Ergothioneine can be introduced through the diet and is retained in selected tissues. Its natural occurrence and its commercial supply route are related but separate questions: one explains where the molecule is found, while the other explains how a cosmetic-grade material is made.
01 / BIOSYNTHESIS
In fungi and bacteria, biosynthesis generally begins with methylation of histidine to form hercynine, followed by sulfur insertion. The enzymes and sulfur-donor steps vary between organisms, so a pathway description should be matched to the actual production organism and technical file.
Plants may contain pathway-related genes or metabolites, but the route depends on the species and the evidence available for that material.
02 / FORMULATION CHECK
Choose the grade by assay basis and supplied form, then confirm dissolution time, pH window, metal-ion exposure and light/oxygen handling in the intended water or emulsion system.
A clear specification should state whether the material is neat or carried, how the assay is reported and which storage and addition conditions are supported by stability data.
Technical identity
Reference values are not a batch release document. Request the current specification and COA for the offered material.
| Ingredient identity | L-(+)-ergothioneine; EGT; 2-mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine. |
|---|---|
| INCI / naming review | Ergothioneine is a common INCI reference. Confirm the local name, composition, use history and destination-market status for the offered grade. |
| CAS reference | 497-30-3. |
| Molecular formula | C9H15N3O2S. |
| Molecular weight | 229.30 g/mol. |
| Target assay | 99% minimum by HPLC or UPLC. Confirm method, dry-basis or as-is reporting, water, ash, related substances and whether the material is neat or a formulated powder. |
| Production route | Confirm fermentation, extraction or synthesis, plus origin, carrier or excipients and relevant process statements for the offered grade. |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder, subject to specification. |
| Solubility & compatibility | Described as water-soluble. Confirm dissolution time and temperature, filter adsorption, pH compatibility, preservative-system compatibility and clarity at the proposed use level. |
| Stability screen | Evaluate light, heat, oxygen and metal-ion exposure in water and emulsion systems; monitor appearance and assay through the intended shelf-life study. |
| Storage & shelf life | Sealed, dry, low-humidity and protected-from-light handling is a preliminary direction. Confirm it against the current specification, stability data and shipping guidance. |
| Use boundary | Topical cosmetic R&D. Finished-formula safety, claims and destination-market suitability require separate review. |
Preliminary technical values are provided for project discussion. Confirm every value against the current specification and lot-specific COA for the offered material.
Formulation concepts
These are starting concepts, not finished formulas. Set the active level, phase, process, preservation and packaging from the current specification, safety assessment and stability work.
01 / SERUM
Pre-dissolve the grade in a compatible aqueous phase and monitor dissolution, clarity, pH, color and assay retention. Confirm the base and preservative system before scaling.
02 / EMULSION
Introduce a confirmed aqueous premix with controlled heat exposure. Review preservative compatibility, metal-ion exposure, packaging and active retention in the finished emulsion.
03 / MASK
Use a low-viscosity humectant base and check dissolution speed, nonwoven or filter adsorption, clarity and microbial-control requirements before filling the pack.
Quality & documentation
Document availability, scope and lot applicability must be confirmed for each quotation.
Specification, INCI, CAS, HPLC or UPLC method, basis, impurity profile and lot-specific COA.
Production route, origin, carrier or excipient statement and confirmation that the assay matches the actual supplied form.
Light, heat, oxygen and metal-ion stability, storage, shelf life, packaging and transport guidance.
SDS, microbial limits, heavy metals, residual solvents, non-animal testing and allergen statements where relevant.
For supplier qualification, request certificates showing the holder, scope and validity dates. Certification or regulatory status must be confirmed for the offered material and supply entity.
Research context
Database records and publications provide technical context. They are not tests of the offered batch or proof of finished-cosmetic performance.
Use the PubChem record as a starting point for identity, synonyms and molecular data; confirm it against the supplied specification.
Open research sourceReview study material, route, vehicle and endpoint before applying any result to topical cosmetic development or claims.
Open research sourceSource & evidence route
Public databases and literature provide context only. They do not replace Cosveta’s specification, TDS, SDS or lot-specific COA.
Use public identity and INCI references as a starting point, then confirm the actual supplied form and destination-market status with Cosveta.
Open sourceReview study material, route, vehicle and endpoint before applying any result to topical cosmetic development or claims.
Open sourceCommercial supplier and marketplace links have been removed. Verify every current product value against Cosveta’s supplied specification and lot-specific COA.
Buyer questions
No. Confirm the analytical method, reporting basis, impurities, water content and actual lot result alongside the headline assay.
Do not assume the route. Confirm the production process and source declaration for the material being quoted.
The preliminary profile describes a water-soluble grade, but dissolution, pH compatibility, color and stability must be tested in the intended base.
Storage conditions are still to be confirmed. Follow the current specification and request supporting stability and transport guidance.
Sample & supply review
Request a sample, compare a batch or qualify a supply option. Include your country, formulation, required documents and order volume.
MOQ, packaging, sample availability, lead time and document scope are confirmed in the quotation.
Selected ingredientErgothioneine 99%