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Antioxidant

HYDROXYLATED FULLERENES

48

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

Water-soluble hydroxylated buckyball (fullerene) nanomaterial. Strong antioxidant claims, but engineered-carbon nano with limited long-term safety review.

Hydroxylated fullerenes (fullerenols, typically C60(OH)n) are water-soluble derivatives of buckminsterfullerene that behave as potent broad-spectrum radical scavengers in vitro. They are used at low ppm in some high-end Japanese/Korean skincare for antioxidant claims. As engineered carbon nanomaterials, they fall under EU cosmetic nanomaterial provisions — requiring SCCS safety review and specific labeling (ingredient followed by "[nano]"). SCCS has not published a dedicated opinion; toxicology data for fullerenols is mixed, with some studies reporting oxidative stress or ecotoxicity at high doses while others show good skin compatibility at cosmetic use. Novel ingredient class with limited track record.

Function

ANTIMICROBIAL, SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin benefits

  • Potent antioxidant — can quench a broad spectrum of reactive oxygen species
  • Proprietary skin-conditioning claims in Japanese/Korean markets
  • Very low use concentration

Known concerns

  • Nanomaterial/engineered carbon chemistry — novel for cosmetics
  • Limited long-term safety data; no SCCS opinion
  • Hydroxylated fullerene ecotoxicity and persistence concerns
  • Nanomaterial designation may trigger EU special labeling
  • Regulatory status as a cosmetic ingredient varies by market

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.