Guanine is a natural product, a constituent of nucleotides found in nucleic acids, a natural purine.

Chemical name 

2-amino-1,7-dihydropurin-6-one

Raw materials in the production of Guanine.

• Animal tissues. Traditionally extracted from fish scales, especially the herring fish.
• Synthetic sources. Guanine can also be chemically synthesized.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process:

• Extraction from fish scales. The scales are cleaned and treated with hot water, allowing for the isolation of guanine.
• Purification. The solution containing guanine is filtered and further purified to remove any remaining impurities.
• Crystallization. By cooling the solution, guanine crystals are obtained.
• Chemical synthesis. For synthetic guanine, it can be produced through a series of chemical reactions using nitrogenous compounds as raw materials.
• Drying. The crystallized guanine is then dried to yield a fine powder.

It appears in the form of a white powder. 

What it is used for and where

Guanine (CI 75170) is utilized in cosmetics for its outstanding reflective properties, which impart a pearlescent sheen to products. This biologically derived compound is particularly effective in enhancing the aesthetics of products such as eyeshadows, nail polishes, and skincare formulas, due to its ability to reflect light and create a visually radiant effect. Its applications extend to formulations that aim to provide a refined and illuminating finish, leveraging its natural brilliance to enhance the appearance of the final product.

Cosmetics

Restricted cosmetic ingredient as IV/113  a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported:

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Colorant. This ingredient has the primary function of colouring the solution in which it is inserted in a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent manner, either alone or in the presence of the complementary components added for colouring.
• Opacifying agent. It is useful into formulations that may be translucent or transparent to make them opaque and less permeable to light.

Safety

It is considered a safe ingredient.

Commercial Applications

Cosmetic Products. Guanine is often used in cosmetics as a shimmering or pearlescent agent, particularly in products like eyeshadows, nail polishes, and skin illuminators.

Fishing Industry. Used as a component in some synthetic baits to mimic the shininess of prey fish.

Medical Applications

Genetic Research. Guanine, being one of the four nucleotide bases of DNA, is fundamental in genetic research and DNA sequencing.

Pharmaceuticals. Guanine is employed in the production of certain medications and medical treatments.

• Molecular Formula  C₅H₅N₅O
• Molecular Weight  151.13 g/mol
• CAS  73-40-5 
• UNII    5Z93L87A1R
• EC number 200-799-8
• UNII 5Z93L87A1R
• DTXSID9052476

Synonyms: 

• 2-Amino-6-hydroxypurine
• 2-Aminohypoxanthine
• Guanine
• CI 75170
• Mearlmaid