Creatine Hydrochloride (creatine HCl) is a salt form of creatine in which the creatine molecule is protonated and paired with a chloride counterion. Chemically, it is creatine that has been reacted with hydrochloric acid to form the hydrochloride salt, followed by crystallization to yield a stable, non‑hydrated powder. The molecular formula is C₄H₁₀ClN₃O₂, with a molecular weight of 179.60 g/mol (anhydrous).
Key Chemical Distinction from Creatine Monohydrate: Creatine monohydrate contains one molecule of water of crystallization and is neutral (no net charge). Creatine HCl is a salt: the guanidinium group is protonated, resulting in a positively charged creatinium cation and a chloride anion. This structural difference has profound effects on physical properties, particularly solubility and solution pH.
Rationale for Creatine HCl: The primary claimed advantage is dramatically higher solubility in water. While creatine monohydrate is sparingly soluble (approx. 14 g/L at 20°C), creatine HCl is highly soluble, with reported solubility exceeding 150–200 g/L at room temperature. A 5 g equivalent serving can dissolve completely in as little as 50–100 mL of water, forming a true, clear solution.
pH Consideration: A 5% w/v solution of creatine HCl typically exhibits pH 3.0–4.0 (vs. pH 6.5–7.5 for creatine monohydrate). This acidity affects taste (sour/acidic) and may cause dental erosion or gastric discomfort in sensitive individuals if consumed undiluted.
Comparison: Creatine Monohydrate vs. Creatine HCl
| Property | Creatine Monohydrate | Creatine HCl |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 149.15 g/mol | 179.60 g/mol |
| Creatine base content | 88.0% | 75.5% |
| Water solubility (20°C) | ~14 g/L (suspension) | >150 g/L (true solution) |
| Solution pH (5% w/v) | 6.5 – 7.5 (neutral) | 3.0 – 4.0 (acidic) |
| Taste in solution | Faintly bitter / chalky | Sour / acidic |
| Clinical evidence base | Extensive (>500 studies) | Limited (emerging) |
Specification: 99.0% – 101.0% (on dried basis)
Sample: Sample Available
Test method: HPLC / Titration / Karl Fischer / USP method
Synonyms: Creatine HCl, creatine monohydrochloride, creatinium chloride
MOQ: 1 KG | Package: 1kg/foil bag, 20kgs/carton, 25kgs/drum
Certificate: HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP (HALAL status varies by batch)
Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀ClN₃O₂ | CAS: 17050-09-8
Product Characteristics
Appearance
Purity
Solubility
pH (5% solution)
Particle Size
GMP Manufacturing
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
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Benefits of Creatine Hydrochloride Powder
01High Solubility, Low Volume
Complete dissolution in small water volumes (50–100 mL) eliminates the need to consume large volumes of liquid or tolerate gritty suspensions.
02Clear Solution
No visible particles - aesthetically appealing for clear beverage applications and ready‑to‑drink products.
03Enhanced Power & Strength
Delivers the same performance benefits as creatine monohydrate: increased maximal power output (1–15%), enhanced strength, and greater work capacity.
04Increased Lean Body Mass
Supplementation combined with resistance training increases fat‑free mass via cell swelling and satellite cell activation.
05Accelerated Recovery
Reduces muscle damage markers following high‑intensity exercise, leading to faster recovery of strength and reduced soreness.
06Potential for Reduced Bloating (Anecdotal)
Some users report less stomach discomfort with creatine HCl, possibly due to smaller water volumes and no suspended particles.
Application Fields
Bulk Powder: Sold as a "premium" creatine with claims of no bloating, no loading, no gritty texture. Targeted at consumers who dislike creatine monohydrate's suspension behavior.
Capsules: Possible with buffering; fill weights 500–1000 mg; vegetarian/vegan shells.
Tablets: More challenging due to acidity; can be formulated with buffering agents.
Chews: Sour/tart chews using creatine HCl for a distinct flavor profile.
Liquid Creatine: Optimal format - true solution, no sedimentation. Single‑serve shots or multi‑dose bottles.
RTD Drinks: Preferred for clear solution; bottles, cans, Tetra Pak; 12–18 month shelf life with pH control.
Creatine Bars: Less common; monohydrate preferred, but HCl available for tart flavor profiles.
Powder Blends: Pre‑workout powders, electrolyte powders, single‑serve stick packs.
Production Process
Product Quality Advantage
≥99% Purity – High-quality creatine HCl.
>150 g/L Solubility – True solution, no grit.
Low Heavy Metals – Pb, As, Cd <0.5 ppm.
Controlled pH – 3.0–4.0 at 5% solution.
Stable in Dry Form – 24 months shelf life.
cGMP Certified – Full traceability and documentation.
Annual Capacity: 1,500 Tons | 15+ years of creatine chemistry expertise
Professional ODM/OEM Services
We provide full OEM/ODM manufacturing for both creatine monohydrate and creatine hydrochloride finished products.
① Finished Dosage Forms
Capsules: 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg; vegan/gelatin; custom bottle/blister.
Tablets: 500–1500 mg; direct compression; round/oval; debossing; coated/uncoated.
Chews: Soft‑chew or gummy; monohydrate (neutral) or HCl (sour/tart); sugar‑free.
Liquid Creatine: True solution for HCl, suspension for monohydrate; single‑serve shots or multi‑dose.
RTD Drinks: Bottles, cans, Tetra Pak; HCl recommended for clear solution; 12–18 month shelf life.
Creatine Bars: Protein bars, energy bars; monohydrate standard; HCl available for tart profile.
② Powder Blends
Pre‑workout powders, electrolyte powders, single‑serve stick packs, custom flavor and sweetener selection.
③ Additional Services
pH adjustment (buffering), third‑party certification (NSF, Informed Sport), stability studies, regulatory documentation.
Export Certificates
Why choose us
XI'AN LANDNUTRA CO., LTD. – Your Trusted Manufacturer of Antioxidant & Functional Ingredients. Rooted in Quality, Driven by Expertise, Committed to Health and Excellence.
Strong Production Capability: Annual capacity 1,500 tons. 15+ years experience, own facility.
Leading Service: ONE-STOP OEM/ODM from pre-sales to after-sales.
Quality Assurance: CQC-certified enterprise, purity embedded in every process.
Broad Market: Botanical Extracts, Cosmetic Ingredients, Functional Ingredients.
15+ years of creatine chemistry experience. cGMP‑certified facilities. Full OEM/ODM capabilities for capsules, tablets, chews, liquids, RTD drinks, and bars - using either creatine monohydrate or creatine HCl. Regulatory documentation support for over 50 countries. Batch‑specific COA including chloride content and pH. Technical support for liquid RTD formulations.
FAQ
| Test Item | Specification (High-Purity Grade) | Test Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | Conforms | Pass |
| Assay (as C₄H₁₀ClN₃O₂, dried basis) | 99.0% – 101.0% | 99.7% | Pass |
| Creatine Base Content | 74.0% – 76.0% | 75.2% | Pass |
| Chloride Content (as Cl⁻) | 19.0% – 20.5% | 19.6% | Pass |
| Water Content (KF) | ≤2.0% | 0.8% | Pass |
| pH (5% solution) | 3.0 – 4.0 | 3.6 | Pass |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.5 ppm | <0.1 ppm | Pass |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1.0 ppm | <0.5 ppm | Pass |
| Dicyandiamide (DCD) | ≤50 ppm | 5 ppm | Pass |
| Creatinine | ≤100 ppm | 15 ppm | Pass |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 cfu/g | <100 cfu/g | Pass |
| E. Coli / Salmonella | Negative | Negative | Pass |
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