L-Ergothioneine is a rare, naturally occurring chiral amino acid and powerful cellular antioxidant first isolated from ergot fungus in 1909. Synthesized exclusively by certain fungi and actinobacteria, humans and animals cannot produce it endogenously and must obtain it through diet.
What distinguishes L-Ergothioneine from other antioxidants is the evolution of a highly specific cellular transporter in humans that actively concentrates it in tissues most vulnerable to oxidative stress, including the brain, eyes, skin, liver, and red blood cells. This targeted delivery system has led scientists to propose that ergothioneine may represent a previously unrecognized vitamin essential for healthy aging.
Product Characteristics
Potent Antioxidant: Naturally accumulates in mitochondria and acts as a primary defence against reactive oxygen species (ROS); often called a "longevity vitamin" for skin.
Anti‑Photoageing: Protects skin cells from UVA/UVB‑induced oxidative damage and reduces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, helping to preserve collagen.
Anti‑Inflammatory: Down‑regulates pro‑inflammatory cytokines, soothing sensitive and stressed skin.
DNA & Mitochondrial Protection: Unique intracellular transporter (OCTN1) allows efficient uptake into cells and organelles.
Excellent Stability: Highly resistant to heat, light, and pH changes (stable across pH 2–9); compatible with most cosmetic formulations (serums, creams, lotions, masks).
COA
|
Test Item |
Specification |
Typical Result |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | Conforms |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% | 99.5% |
| Decomposition Point | ≥ 250°C | 258°C |
| Water Content (KF) | ≤ 1.0% | 0.18% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.2% | 0.04% |
|
Lead (Pb) |
≤1 ppm |
<0.5 ppm |
|
Arsenic (As) |
≤1 ppm |
<0.5 ppm |
|
Mercury (Hg) |
≤0.1 ppm |
<0.05 ppm |
| Related Substances (HPLC) | ≤ 2.0% total | 0.45% |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 cfu/g | <10 cfu/g |
| E.Coli / Salmonella | Negative | Negative |
Benefits of creatine magnesium chelate
Active Antioxidant Shield: Actively absorbed by cells via the OCTN1 transporter to form a long‑lasting, self‑regenerating antioxidant defence network.
Superior Anti‑Photoageing: Quenches UV‑induced free radicals and inhibits collagen‑degrading MMPs to prevent sagging and wrinkles caused by sun exposure.
Potent Anti‑Inflammatory Calmer: Blocks key inflammatory signals (TNF‑α, IL‑6) to rapidly reduce redness, making it ideal for sensitive and post‑procedure skin.
Brightening & Dark Spot Corrector: Suppresses tyrosinase and interrupts melanin transfer from the source, restoring a clear, even skin tone.
Anti‑Glycation Collagen Guardian: Prevents sugar‑driven collagen cross‑linking to stop skin from glycation‑induced yellowing and loss of elasticity.
Mitochondrial & DNA Defender: Penetrates mitochondria to neutralise superoxide, protect mitochondrial DNA, and enhance cellular energy for repair.
Ultra‑Stable Formulation Compatible: Withstands heat, light, and extreme pH (2–9), maintaining full activity in any water‑based cosmetic system.
"Longevity Vitamin" Skin Therapy: Declines naturally with age; topical replenishment counteracts age‑related oxidative decline and extends cellular youthfulness.
Application Fields
Cosmetics & Personal Care
L‑Ergothioneine is a cell‑targeted, ultra‑stable antioxidant used in premium anti‑ageing, sun care, and brightening products to combat photoageing, calm inflammation, and even skin tone.
Dietary Supplements
Delivered in capsules or tablets to provide systemic cellular defence and support healthy ageing through OCTN1-targeted mitochondrial protection.
Functional Foods & Beverages
Its thermal stability enables incorporation into functional drinks and fortified foods to deliver immune resilience, cellular energy support, and oxidative stress protection.
Pharmaceuticals & OTC
Research investigates its potential in ophthalmic, dermatological, and neuroprotective therapies, driven by its ability to cross the blood‑brain barrier and combat chronic inflammation.
Animal & Pet Nutrition
It is increasingly added to premium pet foods and supplements to mirror human anti‑inflammatory and longevity benefits, targeting joint health, cognition, and coat quality in ageing companion animals.
Nutricosmetics
Formulated into powders, shots, and oral blends to enhance skin hydration, radiance, and antioxidant status from the inside out.
Production Process
Product Quality Advantages
Ultra‑High Purity:
≥99% (HPLC) with related substances <0.5% - maximum potency, minimal irritation risk.
Ultra‑Low Elemental Impurities:
Lead <0.2 ppm, Arsenic <0.3 ppm - far exceeds ICH Q3D safety limits.
Superior Microbial Safety:
TPC <10 cfu/g, absent E. coli & Salmonella - safe for preservative‑free and sensitive‑skin formulas.
Thermal & pH Stability:
Stable up to 250°C and pH 2–9 - withstands hot‑fill processing and all cosmetic pH ranges without degradation.
Ultra‑Low Moisture:
Water ≤0.2% - prevents clumping and microbial growth, ensuring long shelf life and free‑flowing handling.
Certified GMP Manufacturing:
ISO/cGMP produced - full traceability, global regulatory compliance, available in vegan, kosher, and halal grades.
Export Certificates
We hold and can provide all necessary documentation for international markets:
Non-GMO Certificate / Statement
HACCP Certificate
ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System Certificate
FDA Facility Registration
Halal & Kosher Certificates (upon request)
Comprehensive Third-Party Laboratory Test Reports (SGS, Eurofins, etc.)
Why choose us
Clinically Validated Transporter-Driven Activity – Our L-Ergothioneine leverages the body's own OCTN1 transporter system – a unique biological pathway confirmed by peer-reviewed research that actively pumps this antioxidant into skin cells and mitochondria, delivering targeted protection where simple topical antioxidants cannot reach.
GRAS & Global Regulatory Clearance – Our ingredient holds US FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation through an independent expert panel review, enabling use in both dietary supplements and functional foods. Full EU CosIng and IECIC (China) listings support seamless global market access for cosmetics.
Biosynthetic Fermentation, Not Extraction – We employ a proprietary precision fermentation process free from animal-derived raw materials, delivering consistent >99% purity without the supply chain volatility, heavy metal contamination risks, or sustainability concerns associated with mushroom-derived extraction.
Demonstrated Intracellular Protection – Independent in vivo studies show our L-Ergothioneine accumulates in the stratum corneum and viable epidermis after topical application, significantly reducing UV-induced DNA damage and mitochondrial superoxide levels compared to untreated controls – protection confirmed at the cellular level.
Exceptional Formulation Stability – Unlike many antioxidants that degrade under heat or light, our L-Ergothioneine withstands hot-fill processing (stable to 250°C) and remains fully active across pH 2–9. This means no special handling, no cold chain, and no loss of potency during manufacturing or throughout shelf life.
Comprehensive Documentation Package – Every batch is accompanied by a full analytical COA, residual solvent statement, microbial testing report, GMO-free certificate, and vegan compliance statement. Additional documentation including heavy metal speciation and third-party stability data is available upon request.
FAQ
Q: Is this just mushroom extract powder?
A: No. Mushroom extracts typically contain <0.5% ergothioneine along with polysaccharides and unknown constituents. Our product is purified L-Ergothioneine produced via precision fermentation with ≥99% assay, delivering a chemically defined, single-molecule active with batch-to-batch consistency.
Q: What is the difference between L-Ergothioneine and other antioxidants like vitamin C or glutathione?
A: Two key differences. First, L-Ergothioneine has its own dedicated transporter (OCTN1), meaning cells actively pull it in rather than relying on passive diffusion. Second, it forms a stable thione/thiol redox couple, so it keeps working after neutralising free radicals – whereas vitamin C and glutathione are typically consumed and require regeneration. It complements rather than replaces other antioxidants.
Q: How much L-Ergothioneine should I add to my formula?
A: For leave-on skincare, typical use levels are 0.1%–1.0%. For serums targeting anti-ageing or photo-protection, 0.5%–2.0% is common. For dietary supplements, doses of 5–30 mg per serving are supported by clinical safety data. We provide formulation guidance specific to your product type.
Q: Is the product stable in water-based serums?
A: Yes. L-Ergothioneine is freely soluble in water and remains stable for extended periods in aqueous solutions at pH 2–9. Accelerated stability testing shows no significant degradation after 3 months at 40°C in prototype formulations. Unlike vitamin C, it does not discolour or oxidise over time.
Q: Can I use this in oil-based or anhydrous formulations?
A: L-Ergothioneine is water-soluble and practically insoluble in oils. For oil-based or anhydrous systems, it can be incorporated via a pre-dispersed stock solution or formulated into the water phase of emulsions. We can recommend suitable dispersion methods for your specific base.
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