Carnosic acid

Carnosic acid is a natural phenolic diterpene primarily extracted from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). When sourcing, you must specify the purity levels, which typically range from 5% to 95%. It is available in two forms: Oil-soluble (liquid) and Water-soluble (powder). For food preservation, a purity of 20%-25% is common, while high-end supplements or cosmetics may require >90% purity. Ensure the extraction method is Supercritical CO2 Extraction if you require a solvent-free, high-purity product with no chemical residues.

As a bioactive ingredient used in food, health products, and cosmetics, compliance is critical. Suppliers should provide ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 (HACCP) for quality management. For food-grade applications, FDA registration, Kosher, and Halal certifications are often required. If exporting to the EU, ensure the product meets REACH regulations and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) standards for rosemary extracts (E392).

Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch. Key indicators include Heavy Metal content (<10ppm), Arsenic (<2ppm), and Microbiological limits (Total Plate Count <1000cfu/g). Since Carnosic Acid is sensitive to light and heat, verify the stability testing data. High-quality suppliers will provide HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) chromatograms to prove the exact concentration of the active ingredients.

Carnosic Acid is widely used as a natural antioxidant and preservative. In the Food Industry, it replaces synthetic antioxidants like BHA/BHT in oils, meat, and pet food. In Cosmetics, it is used for its anti-aging and skin-soothing properties. In the Nutraceutical sector, it is valued for its neuroprotective and metabolic health benefits. Identifying your specific application helps the supplier recommend the correct carrier (e.g., Sunflower oil or Maltodextrin).

The biggest risk is adulteration or concentration mismatch, where the actual purity is lower than stated. To mitigate this, use Third-Party Inspection services (like SGS or Intertek) to test samples before final payment. Another risk is oxidation during transit; ensure the supplier uses vacuum-sealed, light-proof aluminum foil bags or nitrogen-flushed drums to maintain potency.

Focus on Tiered Pricing; for Carnosic Acid, prices drop significantly when moving from 10kg to 100kg+ or 500kg+ volumes. Ask for Free Samples (shipping paid by buyer) to verify quality first. Negotiate Payment Terms such as 30% deposit and 70% against the Bill of Lading (B/L) to protect your cash flow, and always conduct transactions through Secured Trading services on the platform.

Carnosic Acid is a heat-sensitive material. For long-distance cross-border shipping, request temperature-controlled environments or avoid shipping during peak summer months if using standard sea freight. Ensure the HS Code (typically 291829 or 130219) is correctly declared to avoid customs delays. For urgent, high-purity small batches, Air Freight (FedEx/DHL) is recommended to minimize exposure to the elements.