Source odourless stearyl glycyrrhetinate for Medicine, Skincare, and Food

Strategic Sourcing Guide for Odourless Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

Understanding the Material Profile and Technical Specifications

When sourcing Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, buyers must first distinguish between the raw natural extract and the refined, synthesized derivative. The core keyword "odourless" implies a specific processing standard where the characteristic odor of the raw licorice extract has been mitigated or eliminated through refinement. While the supplied data indicates that the base extract source is "Licorice" and possesses a "Characteristic" odor, the refined product labeled as "Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate" is categorized under "Synthesis Material Intermediates" with a "Refined" quality status. This distinction is critical for procurement, as the final product intended for cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications often requires the removal of the strong, earthy scent inherent to the raw plant material.

The molecular weight of the compound is a definitive identifier for verification. The data specifies a molecular weight (MW) of 723.16, which serves as a primary checkpoint during quality assurance. This high molecular weight distinguishes it from other glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives. Furthermore, the product is identified by the CAS number 13832-70-7, a non-negotiable identifier for regulatory compliance and chemical safety data sheets (SDS). Buyers should verify that the supplier's documentation explicitly matches this CAS number to avoid confusion with Glycyrrhetinic Acid (the parent compound) or other related saponins.

Physical properties are equally vital for formulation stability. The supplied facts note a mesh specification of 100% Pass 80 Mesh, ensuring a fine powder consistency suitable for uniform blending in lotions, pastes, and capsules. The appearance is consistently listed as White powder. While the raw extract may have a characteristic odor, the refined "Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate" is often processed to meet the "odourless" requirement for high-end skincare and pharmaceutical formulations. Buyers must explicitly request sensory data or odor profiles in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm that the specific batch meets the "odourless" criteria, as the general attribute list notes a "Characteristic" odor for the extract source, suggesting that the refinement process is the variable that determines the final sensory profile.

Compliance, Certification, and Regulatory Standards

Navigating the regulatory landscape for Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate requires a rigorous approach to certification verification. The supplied data highlights ISO certification as a high-confidence attribute for at least one product variant, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) is listed as a standard for another. These are not merely marketing terms but essential indicators of a supplier's adherence to quality management systems. For a product destined for "Medicine, Health Care Products, and Food" applications, GMP compliance is often a prerequisite for market entry in major jurisdictions.

The "Pharmaceutical Grade" designation found in the data is a significant quality marker. This grade implies that the material meets stricter purity and impurity limits compared to industrial or cosmetic grades. Buyers should verify that the "Pharmaceutical Grade" claim is backed by a valid CoA that includes specific limits for heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial counts. The data also mentions a 99% standard for related products, which suggests that high-purity variants are available. However, buyers must not assume that every listing of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate meets this 99% threshold without explicit confirmation. The "99% min" standard is a target specification that must be validated against the specific batch's test results.

In terms of origin, the data points to China as the primary production location, with specific mentions of Jiangsu and Shanxi provinces. While these regions have robust chemical and botanical processing industries, the geographic origin does not automatically dictate quality. Instead, the focus should remain on the supplier's ability to provide traceability from the raw "Plants" source to the final "Refined" product. The "Natural Preservatives" attribute suggests the product may be utilized in formulations where natural sourcing is a key selling point, but the "Synthesis Material Intermediates" classification indicates a chemical modification process. This duality requires buyers to clarify the extent of processing with the supplier to ensure the final product aligns with their brand's "natural" or "synthetic" positioning.

Cost Drivers and Pricing Dynamics

The pricing for Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including the grade, packaging, and the extent of refinement required to achieve an "odourless" profile. The observed price range in the market data spans from 1 to 1350 USD, a wide variance that reflects differences in product purity, batch size, and supplier positioning. The lower end of this spectrum likely corresponds to bulk industrial grades or smaller sample quantities, while the higher end may reflect pharmaceutical-grade, small-batch, or highly refined "odourless" variants with extensive documentation.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is another critical cost driver. The data indicates an MOQ range of 1 to 500, with a specific high-confidence fact noting an MOQ of 1kg. This flexibility allows buyers to start with small trial orders, which is essential for validating the "odourless" claim and testing the material in final formulations before committing to large-scale production. However, the cost per kilogram will inevitably decrease as the order volume increases, moving from the 1kg "Paper Bag or Drum" standard to larger 25kg drums.

Packaging standards also impact the final cost. The data lists options such as 1kg/bag, 25kg/drum, and Aluminum Foil Bag. The choice of packaging affects both the unit price and the logistics cost. For an odourless product, moisture and light protection are paramount to maintaining stability. The "25kg/Drum" standard is common for bulk shipments, but the internal lining must be verified to ensure it does not compromise the product's integrity. Buyers should calculate the total landed cost, including packaging, shipping, and potential customs duties, rather than focusing solely on the base price per kilogram. The "Customization" and "OEM Service" attributes suggest that suppliers may offer tailored packaging solutions, which could incur additional setup costs but provide better protection for sensitive formulations.

Typical Applications and Formulation Compatibility

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate is a versatile ingredient with a broad spectrum of applications, primarily driven by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. The supplied data explicitly lists applications in Medicine, Health Care Products, and Food, as well as specific use cases in Dietary Supplements, Functional Foods, and Skincare. The "Application Form" data provides a detailed list of compatible delivery systems, including Capsule, Tablet, Paste, Suppository, and Lotion. This versatility makes it a valuable asset for formulators working across multiple product categories.

In the skincare sector, the "odourless" characteristic is particularly advantageous. Many botanical extracts carry strong, distinct scents that can interfere with the fragrance profile of a cosmetic product. By using a refined, odourless version of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, formulators can leverage its functional benefits without compromising the sensory experience of the final product. The "Refined" quality status supports its use in high-end skincare where purity and sensory neutrality are paramount.

For pharmaceutical and dietary supplement applications, the material's compatibility with Capsule and Tablet forms is essential. The "100% Pass 80 Mesh" specification ensures that the powder flows well and mixes uniformly with other excipients, preventing issues like segregation or capping in tablet presses. The "Assay Method" data, which includes UV, HPLC, GPC, and HPLC-MS, indicates that the material is suitable for rigorous quality control environments where precise quantification is required. This level of analytical capability is necessary for products intended for therapeutic use, where dosage accuracy is critical.

The data also notes the product's use in Lotion and Paste forms, suggesting its solubility and dispersion properties are compatible with emulsion systems. The "Density" of 1.01±0.1 g/cm3 and "Melting Point" of 70-77°C provide formulators with key physical parameters for designing processing conditions. These thermal properties suggest that the material can withstand standard heating processes used in emulsion manufacturing without degrading, provided the temperature does not exceed the melting point significantly.

Supplier Evaluation and Quality Control Protocols

Evaluating a supplier for Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate requires a multi-layered approach that goes beyond basic price comparisons. The presence of ISO and GMP certifications in the data provides a baseline for supplier credibility, but buyers must verify the validity and scope of these certifications. A supplier claiming ISO certification should be able to provide a current certificate from an accredited body, and the scope should explicitly cover the manufacturing of the specific chemical intermediate.

Quality control is the backbone of a successful procurement strategy. The data lists several Assay Methods, including HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and UV (Ultraviolet Spectroscopy). Buyers should insist that the supplier uses these methods for every batch and provides a detailed CoA. The CoA must confirm the 99% purity (or the specific agreed-upon standard), the MW of 723.16, and the absence of unauthorized impurities. The "Test Method: HPLC" is particularly important for verifying the "odourless" claim, as it can detect trace volatile compounds that might contribute to an unwanted scent.

Storage conditions are another critical factor in supplier evaluation. The data recommends storage in a Cool Dry Place, which is standard for hygroscopic powders. A reputable supplier will provide clear storage instructions and may offer guidance on shelf life, which is listed as 2 Years in the data. Buyers should verify that the supplier's warehouse conditions align with these requirements to prevent degradation during storage. The "Sample: 10g" availability is a positive indicator, allowing buyers to conduct their own in-house testing before placing a large order. This small sample size is sufficient for initial compatibility and sensory checks.

Long-Term Procurement and Supply Chain Considerations

Securing a long-term supply of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate requires a strategic partnership with a supplier capable of consistent quality and volume scaling. The "Customization" and "OEM Service" attributes suggest that suppliers are willing to adapt to specific buyer needs, such as custom packaging or specific purity grades. This flexibility is valuable for companies planning to expand their product lines or enter new markets with different regulatory requirements.

Lead times and logistics are often overlooked but are critical for supply chain resilience. While the data does not specify exact lead times, the "MOQ" range of 1 to 500 suggests that suppliers can accommodate both urgent small orders and planned bulk purchases. Buyers should negotiate clear lead time commitments in their contracts to avoid production delays. The "25kg/Drum" and "1kg/Bag" packaging standards are standard, but buyers should discuss options for custom packaging if their logistics or storage constraints require it.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are increasingly important in the B2B landscape. The "Extract Source: Licorice" and "Raw Material: Plants" attributes highlight the botanical origin of the product. Buyers should inquire about the sustainability of the licorice sourcing practices, ensuring that the raw materials are harvested responsibly. The "Natural Preservatives" attribute may also be a selling point for brands targeting eco-conscious consumers.

Finally, the "Product Name: Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate" and "Prod Model: JLYH20221124" or "SENTIAN-Glycylglycine" identifiers indicate that different suppliers may use different internal coding systems. Buyers must ensure that their internal inventory systems are aligned with the supplier's nomenclature to prevent ordering errors. Establishing a clear communication channel for technical updates and regulatory changes is essential for maintaining a stable supply chain over the long term. By focusing on these strategic elements, buyers can secure a reliable source of high-quality, odourless Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate for their diverse applications.