Hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin

Hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin (CAS 128446-35-5), also known as hydroxypropyl betadex and commonly abbreviated as HPBCD, is a modified cyclic oligosaccharide used across pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing.

Its primary commercial function is encapsulating poorly soluble or unstable active ingredients within its cavity, improving their solubility, bioavailability, and shelf stability in finished formulations.

In pharmaceutical drug formulation, HPBCD enables the development of injectable, oral, and nasal delivery systems for APIs with low aqueous solubility, a critical factor when bringing poorly bioavailable compounds to market.

Cosmetic and personal care manufacturers use it to stabilize fragrance compounds, vitamins, and botanical extracts in creams, serums, and rinse-off products, extending active ingredient performance.

In food and nutraceutical applications, it encapsulates flavors, colorants, and functional ingredients to mask off-notes or protect against oxidative degradation during processing.

Biotechnology and life sciences applications include use as a cholesterol-extracting agent in cell membrane research and as a solubilizer in assay development for various laboratory protocols.

HPBCD is supplied as a white to off-white amorphous powder. It is available in pharmaceutical-grade specifications including USP, Ph. Eur., and BP, with degree of substitution typically characterized.

The degree of substitution is part of the product specification. Food-grade material is also commercially available for flavor and nutraceutical applications requiring high purity and stability.