What is Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate?
Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate, also known as D-Fructose, 1,6-bis(dihydrogen phosphate), trisodium salt, octahydrate, is a cosmetic ingredient that is derived from fructose, a type of sugar. It is a complex compound that is created through a series of chemical reactions involving fructose and phosphoric acid, resulting in a trisodium salt form.
The use of Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate in cosmetic products dates back several decades, with its primary function being an antioxidant and chelating agent. As an antioxidant, it helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, while its chelating properties allow it to bind with metal ions, preventing them from causing damage to the skin or the product itself.
The production of Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate involves the reaction of fructose with phosphoric acid under controlled conditions. This results in the formation of a diphosphate group, which is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the trisodium salt. The final product is an octahydrate, meaning it contains eight molecules of water for each molecule of Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate.
Compared to other antioxidants and chelating agents used in cosmetics, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate offers a unique combination of properties. Unlike some antioxidants that can be unstable and degrade over time, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate is stable and maintains its effectiveness. Additionally, its chelating properties are more potent than those of many other commonly used chelating agents.
Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate is typically used in a wide range of cosmetic products, including moisturizers and serums. Its antioxidant properties make it particularly beneficial in anti-aging products, where it can help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of environmental stressors. Meanwhile, its chelating properties make it a valuable addition to products that contain metal ions, such as certain types of makeup and sunscreens.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate:
Antioxidant Properties
Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate is officially recognized as an antioxidant. In the context of cosmetics, this means that it can help protect your skin from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals are often produced due to environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. By neutralizing these free radicals, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate can help maintain the health and integrity of your skin, potentially slowing down the aging process and keeping your skin looking youthful and vibrant.
Chelating Abilities
Another officially recognized function of Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate is its chelating ability. A chelating agent is a substance that can form several bonds with a single metal ion, helping to sequester it and prevent it from causing harm. In the world of cosmetics, this means that Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate can help to neutralize metal ions that may be present in your skincare products or on your skin. This is important because certain metal ions can catalyze the production of more free radicals, leading to increased skin damage. By acting as a chelating agent, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate can help to further protect your skin from potential harm.
It’s important to note that the benefits listed above are based exclusively on the officially recognized and defined functions of Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions. However, as a consumer, it’s crucial to be aware of the officially recognized functions and benefits to avoid being misled by brands and manufacturers.
Safety Profile
Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, as with any ingredient, individual reactions can vary and it is always recommended to do a patch test before using a product widely.
As an antioxidant and chelating agent, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate is not known to have allergenic potential. However, potential side effects of topical application could include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Minor skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently a lack of data regarding the safety of topically applied Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to this ingredient are not common, but as with any cosmetic product, individual reactions can vary. It is always recommended to do a patch test before using a product widely.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, using sources including the CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other various publicly available sources.
