Understanding Resveratrol: A Close Look at Its Physical Properties and Applications

What Is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol belongs to the polyphenol group and comes largely from the skins of red grapes, peanuts, and some berries. Chemically, it carries the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₂O₃ and a molar mass of 228.24 g/mol. Its HS Code is 2932999099, often listed under organic compounds and pharmaceutical raw materials. The material presents itself in several forms, primarily as a white to off-white crystalline powder or, less often, in larger flakes or solid chunks, depending on the refining process.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The structure of resveratrol reveals two aromatic rings joined by a double bond, with hydroxyl groups that set it apart from other plant compounds. This compound does not dissolve much in water—solubility hovers around 0.03 g/L—but mixes well in ethanol, DMSO, and acetone. Resveratrol can feel gritty between the fingers, reflecting its crystalline habit and solid state at room temperature. Its density clocks in at about 1.359 g/cm³, and it melts in the range of 253°C to 255°C. If stored in a dry, airtight container under cool conditions, it stays stable and maintains its properties over time. Its solid form allows for easy weighing and portion control in manufacturing.

Product Forms and Material Handling

In practice, resveratrol usually reaches manufacturers as a fine, flowable powder. Larger pieces, like flakes or granular crystals, sometimes appear in bulk orders. Each form offers a slightly different texture and handling—powder disperses faster and tends to create less dust compared to pearls or crystals, while flakes can require longer dissolution times. Resveratrol does not give off any notable odor, making it easy to blend without changing the scent of supplements or formulations. During years spent handling bulk powders and raw plant extracts, my colleagues valued powders most for consistent dosing and mixing.

Usage as a Raw Material

Raw resveratrol gets deployed in supplements, food, and cosmetics. Its high purity level—usually greater than 98 percent—makes it a prime ingredient for capsule filling, beverage fortification, and even topical creams. Because it resists clumping and stays dry, shelf life stretches far beyond that of less stable botanical extracts. Supplement firms depend on it for antioxidant blends. Beauty formulators often use concentrated solutions to craft serums or creams with clear batch-to-batch consistency. This versatility across industries tracks back to the material being both easy to store and straightforward to incorporate into different product types.

Handling Safety and Regulations

Carrying out proper safety procedures matters any time chemicals enter a facility, and resveratrol is no exception. As a solid, it avoids the inhalation risks seen with some finer particulates, but workers should still use dust masks during large-scale mixing. While it lacks major acute toxicity, its powder can cause mild skin or eye irritation if handled without gloves or goggles. Current safety data sheets do not list resveratrol as highly hazardous or environmentally harmful. About ten years ago, manufacturers tightened storage requirements: cool, dry, sealed spaces keep samples pure, especially with large inventories on hand. Some markets require strict documentation—a reminder for buyers to confirm regulatory approvals and purity standards.

Challenges and Solutions

A few challenges can crop up for those buying, using, or distributing resveratrol. Poor water solubility sometimes forces beverage makers into creative formulation. Microencapsulation or ethanol-based carriers provide ways around the issue, giving finished drinks a clear appearance and even texture. Sourcing pure batches also takes effort; established supply chains, third-party testing, and tracked HS Codes reduce the risk of adulteration that plagues some raw materials sourced internationally. Clear labeling and digital record-keeping help distributors meet market-specific regulations without costly delays.

Why Accurate Information Matters

Anyone working with resveratrol—whether chemists, manufacturers, or procurement professionals—benefits from down-to-earth product data. Knowing its density soothes supply chain calculations. Understanding particle size and purity levels heads off quality issues before they arise. Every detailed property, from melting point to solubility, shapes the way a facility receives, tests, and finally formulates end products. Seeing resveratrol handled in both pharma and food settings, the takeaway always lands the same: precise, trustworthy technical information leads to smooth production lines and finished products that truly deliver what’s promised on the label.