Maltose is a naturally occurring disaccharide composed of two glucose units linked through an α-(1→4) glycosidic bond. It is commonly known as malt sugar and can be produced during the enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of starch. As a carbohydrate-based cosmetic ingredient, Maltose can be considered for personal-care formulations where water-soluble carbohydrate functionality and moisture-related formulation properties are required.
Maltose is available in anhydrous and monohydrate forms. The hydration state is important when calculating formulation quantities, because the molecular weight and water content differ between the two forms. USP-NF recognizes both forms of Maltose and specifies the material on an anhydrous basis.
Anhydrous Maltose has the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ and molecular weight 342.30 g/mol. Maltose monohydrate has the formula C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁·H₂O and molecular weight 360.31 g/mol. The corresponding CAS numbers are 69-79-4 for anhydrous Maltose and 6363-53-7 for Maltose Monohydrate.
The current USP-NF Maltose monograph defines the material as containing not less than 92.0% Maltose on the anhydrous basis. This is a pharmacopeial requirement and should be distinguished from a supplier-specific cosmetic-grade specification. USP also maintains a Maltose Monohydrate reference standard.
Maltose is a water-soluble carbohydrate that can contribute to the formulation of personal-care products requiring soluble sugar-based ingredients. Its chemical structure and affinity for water make it relevant to formulations focused on moisture management and skin-conditioning characteristics.
In cosmetic formulation development, Maltose may be evaluated alongside other carbohydrate-based ingredients such as Glucose, Fructose, Sorbitol, Mannitol and Trehalose. The final functionality depends on the concentration, formulation system and combination of other ingredients.
Because Maltose is a reducing sugar, formulators should also consider processing conditions, storage conditions, pH and interactions with other formulation components when developing a finished product.
Maltose Cosmetic Ingredient can be considered for selected applications such as:
Its water solubility makes Maltose particularly suitable for formulations containing an aqueous phase. The appropriate grade should be selected according to the intended application and technical requirements.
The choice between anhydrous Maltose and Maltose Monohydrate should be made carefully because their molecular weights and water contents differ. The monohydrate contains one molecule of crystallization water, whereas anhydrous Maltose does not.
Formulators should consider water content, concentration, pH, temperature and storage conditions. Since Maltose is a carbohydrate and reducing sugar, prolonged exposure to unsuitable processing or storage conditions can influence colour and other quality characteristics.
For products requiring a recognized pharmacopeial quality standard, the applicable USP-NF requirements should be verified. For cosmetic-grade material, the actual approved product specification and batch COA should remain the controlling quality documents.
Swapnroop supplies Maltose Cosmetic Ingredient for manufacturers and formulators requiring carbohydrate-based raw materials for personal-care applications. Maltose can be considered for formulations where water solubility and carbohydrate functionality are relevant.
As a cosmetic ingredient manufacturer and bulk supplier in India, Swapnroop supports B2B sourcing requirements for cosmetic raw materials. The appropriate grade, hydration state and quality specification can be selected according to the intended formulation and technical requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 92.0% |
| Melting Point | Approximately 160–165°C |