What Is Guanine?

Learn about the colorant and opacifying characteristics of Guanine and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Guanine? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Guanine?

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Guanine is a substance found in our DNA that helps make up the genetic code of living things. When used in cosmetics, it serves as a coloring and opacifying agent. It comes in the form of solid white crystals and is also known by its scientific name, 2-amino-1,7-dihydropurin-6-one.

What is the purpose of Guanine in personal care products? It is used for its colorant and opacifying characteristics. Guanine provide color or tint and reduce cosmetic transparency.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Guanine, Ci 75170, and 2-Amino-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one.

What Are Colorant Ingredients?

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Guanine has colorant characteristics.

Colorant ingredients are used in cosmetic products to give them a specific color or tint. They can be derived from natural sources such as plants or synthetic sources and come in various forms such as powders, liquids, and pastes. These ingredients are added to change the natural color of the product to a desired shade.

Colorants can be added to various other products, including food. In food products, colorants enhance their appearance and make foods look more appealing. For example, a bright red colorant may be added to strawberry-flavored yogurt to make it look like fresh strawberries.

What Are Opacifying Ingredients?

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Guanine has opacifying characteristics.

Opacifying ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic products to reduce transparency or translucency. These ingredients create a white or opaque appearance in the product, which helps hide imperfections and blemishes on the skin. Some opacifying ingredients also have the added benefit of providing a matte finish, which can be desirable for those with oily or combination skin.

Opacifying ingredients can be found in various cosmetic products, including foundations, powders, and concealers. These ingredients can be synthetic or naturally derived, including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and kaolin clay.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.