Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Powder for Food & Cosmetics

Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin (SCC) is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble pigment derived from natural chlorophyll through modern processing techniques. As a "green molecule" bridging the gap between nature and technology, it holds immense promise for applications in the food and cosmetics industries, distinguished by its vibrant color, excellent stability, and high safety profile. Amidst the continuous rise in global consumer demand for "clean labels" and natural ingredients, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin is emerging as an ideal alternative to synthetic colorants.

Product Fundamentals: A "Green Revolution" from Natural to Semi-Synthetic

1. Chemical and Physical Properties

Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin is a stable derivative obtained through the chemical modification of natural chlorophyll. Its core characteristics include:

Chemical Name: Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin (also known as Copper Chlorophyllin Sodium Salt)

CAS No.: 11006-34-1 (or 65963-40-8)

Molecular Formula: C₃₄H₃₁CuN₄NaO₆ (Principal Component)

Appearance: Dark green powder with a slight metallic luster; odorless, or possessing a faint, characteristic ammonia-like odor

Solubility: Easily soluble in water, forming a transparent blue-green solution; slightly soluble in ethanol and chloroform; insoluble in oils and fats

Stability: Exhibits significantly superior light and heat resistance compared to natural chlorophyll, remaining stable within a pH range of 3 to 10

Optical Properties: Displays maximum absorption peaks at wavelengths of 405 nm ± 3 nm and 630 nm ± 3 nm

2. Evolution of Production Processes

Modern production processes are based on chlorophyll-rich plant raw materials—such as mulberry leaves, silkworm feces (frass), and alfalfa—and involve four key steps:

Extraction Phase: Utilizing organic solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol) to extract chlorophyll from the raw materials

Saponification Treatment: Treating the extract with an alkali to remove the methyl and phytol groups from the chlorophyll molecules

Copper Substitution: Replacing the magnesium ion at the center of the chlorophyll molecule with a copper ion to enhance stability

Purification and Drying: Following purification via techniques such as membrane separation and chromatography, the product is spray-dried to produce a powder

In recent years, the application of novel "green extraction" technologies—such as supercritical CO₂ extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction—has further improved production efficiency and product purity.

Applications in the Food Industry: The Art of Safe Coloring

1. Regulatory Approval and Scope of Application

According to China's GB 2760-2024 *Standard for the Use of Food Additives*, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin is approved as a natural food coloring, with a typical maximum usage limit of 0.5 g/kg. Its primary areas of application include:

Confectionery Products: Chewing gum, bubble gum, hard candies, soft candies, etc., providing a long-lasting green hue.

Beverage Products: Fruit and vegetable juices, carbonated drinks, powdered beverages, formulated alcoholic drinks, etc., enhancing the visual appeal of the product.

Dairy Products: Flavored milk, yogurt, ice cream, popsicles, etc., creating a natural and fresh green aesthetic.

Baked Goods: Decorative coloring for cakes and cookies; capable of withstanding high baking temperatures without fading.

Canned Foods: Canned vegetables and fruits, maintaining color stability after processing.

Other Applications: Jellies, cooked legumes, processed nuts and seeds, and various other food products.

2. Usage Techniques and Precautions

Coloring Strength Control: A small amount is sufficient to achieve a distinct coloring effect; a recommended usage concentration of 0.01%–0.2% is suggested.

The Art of Color Blending: When combined with red pigments (such as Cochineal Red), a range of distinct shades—from yellow-green to olive-green—can be achieved.

Processing Tolerance: Highly tolerant of high-temperature processing; can withstand brief heat treatments of 100–105°C, making it suitable for processes such as baking and canning.

Compatibility Restrictions: Avoid use in acidic products (pH < 6.5) or products containing calcium to prevent precipitation; contact with Vitamin C or strong oxidizing agents may compromise stability.

Applications in the Cosmetics Sector: A Fusion of Green Aesthetics and Functionality

1. Product Application Matrix

The application of Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin in cosmetics extends beyond mere coloration, seamlessly integrating both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits:

Oral Care Products: Serves as a green coloring agent in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gums, while simultaneously providing antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

Skincare Product Lines: Incorporated into high-end skincare formulations, leveraging its antioxidant properties to protect skin cells from free radical damage.

Personal Cleansing Products: Provides green coloration for items such as soaps, body washes, and shampoos, enhancing the products' natural aesthetic.

Color Cosmetics Series: Used to impart green tones to makeup products—such as eyeshadows and blushes—enabling the creation of both natural and fashion-forward makeup looks.

2. Analysis of Functional Advantages

Natural and Safe Profile: Compared to synthetic pigments, it aligns more closely with modern consumers' growing demand for products that are "natural, safe, and sustainable."

Integrated Multifunctionality: Beyond its coloring capabilities, research indicates that it possesses potential skincare benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repair-promoting properties.

Formulation Compatibility: Remains stable within the typical pH range of cosmetic products and demonstrates excellent compatibility with a wide variety of cosmetic raw materials.

Stability Performance: Exhibits resistance to both light and heat, ensuring that its color remains stable and consistent throughout the product's entire shelf life.

Research on Health Benefits: Biological Potential Beyond Coloring

While Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin is primarily utilized as a coloring agent, scientific research has revealed its multifaceted potential regarding human health:

1. Antioxidant Defense System

Laboratory studies indicate that the free radical-scavenging capacity of Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin is approximately 2 to 3 times that of Vitamin E, effectively protecting cells from oxidative damage.

2. Support for Hematopoietic Function

Animal studies demonstrate that Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin can stimulate bone marrow hematopoiesis and alleviate symptoms of anemia; this effect may be attributed to the involvement of its copper ions in hemoglobin synthesis.

3. Hepatoprotective Effects

Research confirms that it enhances the detoxification capabilities of hepatocytes and mitigates chemically induced liver injury, thereby showing potential as an adjunct therapy for hepatitis.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties

In vitro experiments indicate that it exerts an inhibitory effect against common pathogenic bacteria—such as *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Escherichia coli*—while simultaneously reducing inflammatory responses.

5. Promotion of Wound Healing

Topical application has been shown to accelerate the repair of injured tissues, a process likely linked to its ability to promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Important Note: Most of these health benefits are based on laboratory research; their actual efficacy and appropriate dosages in human applications still require further clinical validation. When utilized as a food additive, strict adherence to regulatory dosage limits is mandatory, and claims regarding therapeutic efficacy must not be exaggerated.

Conclusion: Coloring Choices for a Green Future

As a leading representative of natural green colorants, sodium copper chlorophyllin is currently experiencing a golden era of development. Amidst growing consumer demand for healthy, natural, and sustainable products, its market outlook is exceptionally promising. For companies in the food and cosmetics sectors, selecting the right supplier of sodium copper chlorophyllin is not merely a prerequisite for ensuring product quality; it is, more importantly, a key factor in enhancing product competitiveness.

Looking ahead, driven by advancements in green manufacturing technologies, deepening application research, and the refinement of regulatory standards, sodium copper chlorophyllin is poised to demonstrate its value across an even broader range of fields. Enterprises should closely monitor industry trends and strengthen technical collaboration with their suppliers to collectively drive the evolution of this natural pigment toward higher quality, greater functionality, and wider application.

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