Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle

METHYL CYCLODEXTRIN.

Valuable CAS 128446-36-6 / CHELATING

Methyl Cyclodextrin is a multifunctional oligosaccharide precisely engineered to optimize skincare formulations. It significantly improves the solubility and stability of active ingredients, ensuring enhanced performance and sustained efficacy. Beyond its role as an excipient, it actively contributes to skin health by boosting collagen production and reducing hyperpigmentation.

Chelating Absorbent Masking (odor) Stabilising (actives) Skin Protecting Texture Enhancer Solvent (carrier) Collagen Boosting Pigmentation Reduction Transdermal Absorption Enhancer Irritation Reducer

Science

This cyclodextrin derivative functions as a chelating agent, stabilizing sensitive compounds and enhancing bioavailability through controlled release. On a cellular level, it primarily up-regulates collagen I expression in chronologically-aged skin by inhibiting Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) activity. This occurs by selectively removing cholesterol from cell membranes, disrupting lipid rafts, and consequently modulating cell signaling pathways crucial for collagen synthesis and melanin biosynthesis. It also inhibits the expression of tyrosinase enzyme and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor of melanocytes, leading to decreased pigmentation. Furthermore, its ability to depolymerize filamentous actin (F-actin) enhances cellular membrane permeability, facilitating deeper penetration and improved accessibility of other active ingredients. Additionally, it prevents nutrient oxidation and mitigates irritation from other cosmetic components.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 0.1–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In mice, twice-weekly injections of Methyl-βCD over two months led to increased skin thickness and significant up-regulation of collagen I, with no observed skin fibrosis.
  2. 02 Human dermal fibroblasts treated with Methyl-βCD demonstrated significantly increased collagen I protein levels and decreased Caveolin-1 expression.
  3. 03 In HeLa cells, a 4-hour Methyl-βCD treatment reduced filamentous actin density by approximately 49%, enhancing membrane permeability and drug accessibility.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The provided research data does not indicate Methyl Cyclodextrin is associated with 'dusting' issues in cosmetic formulations.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Methyl-β-cyclodextrin is highly soluble in water (800g/L at 25°C) and stable across a pH range of 5-8. It withstands temperatures up to 250 °C before decomposition.

Synergies

  • Potentiates the efficacy and stability of poorly soluble or sensitive active ingredients
  • Enhances transdermal absorption of various active compounds
  • Reduces irritation caused by other potent cosmetic ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizers
  • strong acids
  • heat (decomposition above 250 °C)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deems cyclodextrins generally safe, with Methyl Cyclodextrin specifically endorsed with restrictions typically pertaining to concentration, impurities, or product type. It is considered non-irritating and non-toxic when used within the recommended concentration range of 0.1% to 5%. However, direct application to open cuts, abraded, or irritated skin should be avoided.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

Methyl Cyclodextrin is a highly valuable ingredient for precision skincare, offering superior active ingredient delivery, significant collagen-boosting, and noticeable pigmentation reduction, all while enhancing formulation stability and user experience.


Related

Finding similar ingredients…