Tras 15 anos formulando serums antioxidantes, Ergothioneine (EGT) es el activo mas infravalorado con el que he trabajado. La mayoria de los quimicos cosmeticos conocen el acido ascorbico a fondo, pero EGT opera en un nivel completamente diferente. Es un derivado de aminoacido natural — especificamente 2-mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine (CAS 497-30-3, INCI: Ergothioneine) — presente en altas concentraciones en hongos como shiitake y variedades ostra. Lo que lo distingue de cualquier otro antioxidante del mercado es la biologia: la piel humana tiene una proteina transportadora dedicada exclusivamente a esta molecula. Solo eso deberia captar la atencion de cualquier formulador.
Mecanismo de Accion y Datos Publicados
EGT has a redox potential of -0.06 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE). On a molar basis, this translates to roughly 6,000 times the antioxidant potency of ascorbic acid. But raw redox numbers only tell half the story. The reason EGT actually works in living skin is the OCTN1 transporter (gene name SLC22A4). This is a carnitine/organic cation transporter expressed in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes that actively pulls EGT into cells and concentrates it where oxidative damage occurs. No other cosmetic antioxidant — not idebenone, not CoQ10, not ferulic acid — has a dedicated uptake system in human skin.
In published keratinocyte culture studies, 0.01% EGT reduced UVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 52%. For context, idebenone at comparable concentrations typically achieves 20–30% ROS reduction in similar assays. EGT is also remarkably stable: it tolerates pH 2 through 9, survives heating to 100 °C, and does not oxidise or discolour the way L-ascorbic acid does at neutral pH. It is freely water-soluble and compatible with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and most emulsifier systems. From a formulation standpoint, it is one of the easiest high-performance actives to work with.
Guia de Formulacion para Quimicos Cosmeticos
The recommended use level for Ergothioneine in cosmetic products is 0.01% to 0.1% w/w. At 0.01% you already see measurable ROS protection in cell culture; 0.05–0.1% is the sweet spot for premium anti-ageing serums. Add EGT to your water phase at any stage — it will not degrade during hot processing. For maximum efficacy, pair it with a film-forming humectant such as sodium hyaluronate to keep the active in prolonged skin contact.
- Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
- pH stability: Active and stable across pH 2–9
- Thermal stability: Withstands 100 °C — safe for hot/cold process emulsions
- Compatibility: Works alongside niacinamide, peptides, retinol (at skin pH), ceramides, and vitamin E
- Incompatibilities: Avoid strong oxidising agents (hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide) in the same formula
Preguntas Frecuentes
Donde puedo comprar Ergothioneine en Europa?
TCS NEXUS S.L. stocks Ergothioneine at our warehouse in Valencia, Spain. We ship across the EU with 5–7 business day delivery. Evaluation samples start at 1 g, and production quantities are available from 100 g upward. Request a free sample through the form on this page.
Que hace diferente a Ergothioneine de otros antioxidantes?
EGT is the only known cosmetic antioxidant with a dedicated cellular transporter (OCTN1 / SLC22A4) in human skin. This means keratinocytes actively absorb and concentrate EGT, rather than relying on passive diffusion the way ascorbic acid, idebenone, or CoQ10 do. Combined with a redox potential of -0.06 V (NHE), EGT provides 6,000 times the molar antioxidant capacity of vitamin C.
Cual es el nivel de uso recomendado en formulaciones cosmeticas?
Use 0.01% to 0.1% w/w. At 0.01%, published data shows a 52% reduction in UVA-induced ROS in keratinocyte cultures. For premium anti-ageing claims, 0.05–0.1% is the standard target. Because EGT is water-soluble and heat-stable, it fits easily into almost any emulsion or aqueous serum format.
Puede Ergothioneine reemplazar la vitamina C en mi formulacion?
EGT and ascorbic acid work through different pathways. Vitamin C is a direct collagen cofactor and melanin inhibitor; EGT is primarily a cytoprotective scavenger that accumulates inside cells via OCTN1. In practice, many formulators use both together — EGT handles intracellular ROS while vitamin C works extracellularly and supports collagen. If your goal is purely antioxidant protection without the instability headaches of L-ascorbic acid, EGT at 0.05–0.1% is a strong standalone option.
Cual es la cantidad minima de pedido y puedo solicitar una muestra?
Our MOQ for evaluation is just 1 g — enough for several lab batches. Production MOQ starts at 100 g. We also provide free samples to qualified formulators and brand owners. Fill out the contact form on this page or email our team directly.
Especificaciones del Producto
| Parametro | Specification |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Ergothioneine |
| CAS Number | 497-30-3 |
| Chemical Name | 2-Mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water |
| pH Stability | 2–9 |
| Thermal Stability | Stable to 100 °C |
| Recommended Use Level | 0.01–0.1% w/w |
| Storage | Cool, dry, protected from light |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (sealed, recommended conditions) |
| Certifications | FDA cGMP, COSMOS, ISO 45001 |
Productos Relacionados
- Ectoin — Osmolyte for Hydration and Barrier Protection
- Glutathione (Reduced GSH) — Antioxidant and Detoxification Tripeptide
Solicitar Ergothioneine de TCS NEXUS S.L.
We stock Ergothioneine at our facility in Valencia, Spain, and ship across the EU within 5–7 business days. Evaluation samples from 1 g and production quantities from 100 g are available now. All material is manufactured under FDA cGMP, COSMOS, and ISO 45001 standards. Use the form below to request pricing, a Certificate of Analysis, or a free evaluation sample.