Curcumin – Cosmetic Uses in Skin Care and Natural Colouring

What Is Curcumin?

Curcumin is the principal colouring component obtained from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric. The dried rhizome is ground and extracted with a suitable solvent to selectively remove its colouring compounds.

The resulting extract can be further purified to produce curcumin powder containing more than 90% colouring matter, with very little volatile oil and other naturally occurring dry matter.

The characteristic yellow colour of turmeric is produced by curcuminoids, which were first isolated from turmeric in 1842.

Cosmetic Uses

Curcumin is primarily associated with its colouring and antioxidant properties. Its characteristic yellow-orange colour makes turmeric-derived ingredients of interest in formulations where a natural botanical colour is desired.

Curcumin and turmeric preparations have also been traditionally used in skin care in several cultures.

Curcumin's antioxidant properties also make it relevant to formulations designed around antioxidant-focused skin care.

Formulation Considerations

Curcumin is obtained through solvent extraction and purification of turmeric rhizomes. The composition of turmeric-derived raw materials can therefore vary depending on the extraction and purification process.

When used in cosmetic formulations, the desired colour intensity, raw material purity, stability, and compatibility with the formulation should be considered.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Curcumin
CAS: 458-37-7
Function: Antioxidant

Source

Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients (Dweck Books 4) . Dweck Data. Kindle Edition.