ActiveRelease™ THC (Tetrahydrocurcuminoids Water Dispersible) is a water-dispersible active complex of tetrahydrocurcuminoids for brightening, antioxidant, calming and photoaging-support skincare.

Tetrahydrocurcuminoids are hydrogenated curcuminoids derived from turmeric. Compared with regular yellow curcuminoids, tetrahydrocurcuminoids are much lower in visible color and are better suited to leave-on cosmetics where formulators want turmeric-family activity without strong staining.

This ActiveRelease™ format is designed for water-phase and cool-down processing. It helps formulators use tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane in aqueous serums, gels, toners, lotions and creams where the conventional active would normally require oil/glycol solubilization.

Product Description: The active target is tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, supported by a water-dispersible carrier system. The key formulation advantage is not that the pure active is water-soluble; rather, this SKU is engineered so the active can be dispersed into water-based systems with less dependence on high glycol or oil-solvent loading.

Skin-benefit evidence for tetrahydrocurcumin/tetrahydrocurcuminoids is strongest in cell and animal models, with supporting mechanistic literature for curcumin-family photoaging pathways. In melanogenesis models, tetrahydrocurcumin has been reported to reduce melanin production and tyrosinase activity, supporting use in uneven-tone and brightening formulas. In a UV-induced photoaging mouse model, tetrahydrocurcumin improved visible wrinkle-related parameters and was associated with extracellular-matrix, inflammation and melanin-biosynthesis pathway changes. Anti-inflammatory data for curcumin metabolites also support NF-κB pathway moderation, which is relevant for redness-prone or stressed-skin positioning.

INCI: Cyclodextrin, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane.

Usage: Suitable for brightening serums, clear gels, toner/essence products, lotions, creams, masks and antioxidant daytime or nighttime skincare. Pair with sunscreen in daytime brightening routines.

Mixing method:

- Pre-disperse into room-temperature water or a water/glycol phase, then mix until uniform before adding to the main batch.

- Add during cool-down, ideally below 45°C. Avoid prolonged high heat, strong oxidizing systems and unnecessary air entrainment.

- Recommended finished-formula pH: 3.5–7.5. For very low-electrolyte clear gels, confirm clarity and sedimentation after 24–72 hours.

- Protect the finished product from strong light and excessive headspace. Use opaque or airless packaging for formulas positioned around antioxidant performance.

Usage rate: 0.5–2.0%

Use 0.5–2.0% of this active-release complex (delivers approximately 0.1–0.4% tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane). Typical starting point: 1.0% product delivers approximately 0.2% active.

Product characteristics: Light yellow fine powder; characteristic mild odor.

Solubility: Dispersible in water and water/glycol systems. The underlying tetrahydrocurcuminoid active is lipophilic; this product format enables aqueous dispersion.

Storage: Store tightly closed at 15–25°C, protected from light, heat and moisture.