C60 Glossary: Key Terms Explained
A comprehensive reference guide to the science, terminology, and concepts behind Carbon 60 supplementation. Clear, factual definitions for consumers, researchers, and health professionals.
This glossary covers 40 essential terms related to Carbon 60 (C60), fullerene science, antioxidant biochemistry, and C60 supplementation. Each definition is written for clarity and accuracy, suitable for consumers exploring C60 for the first time as well as those deepening their understanding of the science.
Published by C60 Power (shopc60.com) — specialists in 99.99% pure sublimated C60 since 2016.
A
Antioxidant
A molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules by neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage. Carbon 60 (C60) is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants ever discovered, with a unique ability to neutralize multiple free radicals without being consumed in the reaction. C60 Power’s products deliver this potent antioxidant in bioavailable oil form.
Avocado Oil
A carrier oil pressed from the fruit of the avocado (Persea americana), valued for its mild flavor, high vitamin E content, and monounsaturated fat profile. As a C60 carrier, avocado oil provides a gentle, buttery-tasting option that is well-suited for people with sensitive stomachs or those following paleo and AIP diets.
B
Baati Study
The landmark 2012 study by Tarek Baati and colleagues, published in Biomaterials, which found that rats given C60 dissolved in olive oil lived significantly longer than control groups — with no observed toxicity. This study is the most cited research in C60 supplementation and established the safety and potential longevity benefits of C60 in olive oil.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters the bloodstream and becomes available for biological activity after administration. C60 is lipophilic (fat-soluble), so dissolving it in a carrier oil such as olive oil or MCT oil significantly increases its bioavailability compared to taking C60 in dry powder form.
Buckminsterfullerene
The formal scientific name for the C60 molecule, named after architect R. Buckminster Fuller whose geodesic dome designs resemble the molecule’s spherical structure. Buckminsterfullerene consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a hollow sphere of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons, resembling a soccer ball. Its discovery earned the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
C
Carbon 60 (C60)
A molecule composed of exactly 60 carbon atoms arranged in a hollow, spherical cage structure known as a truncated icosahedron. C60 is the most well-known fullerene and has attracted significant interest as a dietary supplement due to its exceptional antioxidant properties. C60 Power specializes in 99.99% pure sublimated C60 products for human and pet use.
Carrier Oil
A base oil used to dissolve and deliver a lipophilic substance like C60 into the body. Common C60 carrier oils include extra virgin olive oil, MCT coconut oil, and avocado oil. The carrier oil affects absorption rate, taste, and additional nutritional benefits. C60 Power offers products in all three carrier oil types.
Cold-Pressed Oil
An oil extraction method that uses mechanical pressure without heat, preserving the natural nutrients, flavor, and beneficial compounds of the source material. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil retains its polyphenols and antioxidants, making it an ideal carrier for C60 supplementation.
Concentration
In the context of C60 supplements, concentration refers to the amount of C60 dissolved per unit volume of carrier oil, typically expressed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Higher concentration does not always mean better — the optimal concentration balances effective dosing with complete dissolution of C60 in the oil.
C70
A fullerene molecule consisting of 70 carbon atoms arranged in a rugby ball (prolate spheroid) shape. C70 is the second most common fullerene after C60. While C70 also has antioxidant properties, C60 remains the most studied and widely used fullerene in supplementation due to its superior stability and symmetry.
D
Dosage
The measured amount of a supplement taken per serving or per day. For C60 oil, a common human dosage is 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL) per day. Pet dosages vary significantly by species and body weight, ranging from 0.5 mL per day for cats to 15 mL per day for horses.
E
Endogenous Antioxidants
Antioxidants naturally produced by the body, including glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. These internal defenses decline with age, which is one reason oxidative stress increases over time. Supplemental antioxidants like C60 may help compensate for this age-related decline in endogenous antioxidant capacity.
ESS60
A trademarked name for a specific formulation of C60 (Carbon 60) that refers to “Essential Substance 60.” ESS60 is essentially the same C60 molecule (buckminsterfullerene) marketed under a brand name. When comparing products, the key factors are purity level, production method (solvent-free vs solvent-based), and carrier oil quality.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
The highest grade of olive oil, obtained from the first pressing of olives without chemical treatment or excessive heat. EVOO is rich in polyphenols, oleic acid, and natural antioxidants. It is the most researched carrier oil for C60, used in the landmark Baati study. C60 Power uses organic EVOO in its olive oil-based C60 products.
F
FDA-Compliant
Describes a product or facility that adheres to the regulations and guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), proper labeling, and facility standards. C60 Power operates in an FDA-compliant facility, ensuring consistent product quality and safety standards.
Free Radicals
Unstable atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage cells through a process called oxidation. Free radicals are produced naturally by metabolism and externally by UV radiation, pollution, and toxins. C60 is remarkable because a single molecule can neutralize dozens of free radicals, acting as a “free radical sponge.”
Fullerene
A family of carbon molecules that form hollow, closed-cage structures including spheres, ellipsoids, and tubes. C60 (buckminsterfullerene) is the most famous and stable fullerene. Other fullerenes include C70, C76, and C84. The fullerene family was discovered in 1985 by Robert Curl, Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley.
G
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
A set of quality assurance guidelines established by the FDA to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled according to defined quality standards. GMP covers facility cleanliness, equipment maintenance, personnel training, and documentation. C60 Power manufactures its products in GMP-compliant conditions.
L
Lipid Peroxidation
A process in which free radicals attack and degrade lipids (fats) in cell membranes, leading to cell damage and dysfunction. Lipid peroxidation is a key mechanism of oxidative stress and is implicated in aging, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. C60 has been shown in studies to inhibit lipid peroxidation, protecting cell membrane integrity.
Lipophilic
Describes a substance that dissolves readily in fats, oils, and nonpolar solvents. C60 is highly lipophilic, which is why it must be dissolved in a carrier oil for effective oral supplementation. This fat-soluble nature also means C60 integrates well into cell membranes, where it can neutralize free radicals at the site of damage.
M
MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglyceride oil, typically derived from coconut oil. MCTs are metabolized faster than long-chain fatty acids because they are transported directly to the liver via the portal vein. As a C60 carrier, MCT oil may provide faster absorption. C60 Power offers C60 in MCT coconut oil, including a cinnamon-flavored variant.
Mitochondria
Organelles within cells that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. Often called the “powerhouses of the cell,” mitochondria are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. C60’s antioxidant properties may help protect mitochondria from free radical damage, supporting cellular energy production.
N
Nanotechnology
The science and engineering of manipulating matter at the nanometer scale (1-100 nanometers). C60 molecules are approximately 1 nanometer in diameter, placing them firmly in the nanotech domain. The small size of C60 allows it to cross biological barriers and interact with cells at a molecular level.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1996)
The 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Robert F. Curl Jr., Sir Harold W. Kroto, and Richard E. Smalley for their 1985 discovery of fullerenes, including C60 (buckminsterfullerene). This discovery opened an entirely new branch of carbon chemistry and laid the scientific foundation for C60 research and supplementation.
O
Oleic Acid
A monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found abundantly in olive oil and avocado oil. Oleic acid has well-documented anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. When C60 is dissolved in olive oil or avocado oil, the oleic acid in the carrier provides additional health benefits alongside the C60 antioxidant activity.
Organic Certification
A designation indicating that a product has been produced according to organic farming and processing standards, verified by an accredited certifying body (such as USDA Organic). Organic carrier oils are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs. C60 Power uses organic carrier oils in its C60 products.
Oxidative Stress
An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants, leading to cellular damage, inflammation, and accelerated aging. Oxidative stress is implicated in numerous chronic conditions. C60 supplementation aims to reduce oxidative stress by providing a potent, long-lasting antioxidant.
P
Polyphenols
A large family of naturally occurring plant compounds with antioxidant properties, found in foods like olive oil, berries, tea, and red wine. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly rich in polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. When C60 is dissolved in polyphenol-rich EVOO, the combined antioxidant effect may be synergistic.
Purity Level
The percentage of a substance that is the intended molecule, with the remainder being impurities or contaminants. C60 purity is critical because impurities can include residual solvents or other carbon structures. C60 Power uses 99.99% pure C60, among the highest purity levels available in the supplement market, verified by third-party testing.
R
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, including superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. ROS are a major category of free radicals produced during normal metabolism and in response to environmental stressors. C60 has been demonstrated in research to effectively scavenge multiple types of ROS.
S
Shelf Life
The length of time a product remains effective, safe, and of acceptable quality when stored under recommended conditions. C60 oil shelf life depends largely on the carrier oil: olive oil-based C60 can last up to 2 years, MCT-based products 18-24 months, and avocado oil-based products 12-18 months. Proper storage in dark glass away from light and heat maximizes shelf life.
Solvent-Free
A production method that does not use chemical solvents (such as toluene or xylene) at any stage of manufacturing. Many C60 producers use solvents to dissolve C60 before mixing it into oil, which can leave toxic residues. C60 Power’s sublimation process is entirely solvent-free, meaning the C60 is never exposed to chemical solvents at any point.
Sublimation
A phase transition in which a solid converts directly to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. In C60 manufacturing, sublimation is used to purify C60 by heating it under vacuum until it vaporizes, then collecting the pure C60 as it recondenses. C60 Power uses sublimation to achieve 99.99% purity without ever exposing the C60 to solvents.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
A naturally occurring enzyme in the body that catalyzes the breakdown of the superoxide radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. SOD is one of the body’s primary antioxidant defenses. C60 has been described as a “superoxide dismutase mimetic” because it can perform a similar free radical neutralization function.
T
Third-Party Testing
Independent laboratory analysis conducted by an organization that has no stake in the product’s success, used to verify purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants. Third-party testing provides objective validation that a supplement contains what the label claims. C60 Power submits all products to third-party testing and makes results available to customers.
Toluene
An organic solvent commonly used in industrial C60 production to dissolve raw fullerene material. Toluene is toxic and classified as a health hazard. If not fully removed during manufacturing, residual toluene can contaminate the final C60 product. C60 Power avoids this risk entirely by using a solvent-free sublimation process.
Topical Application
The method of applying a substance directly to the skin or external body surface rather than ingesting it. C60 oil can be applied topically, where its antioxidant properties may help protect skin cells from UV damage and oxidative stress. C60 Power offers dedicated skincare products formulated for topical C60 use.
Truncated Icosahedron
The geometric shape of the C60 molecule, consisting of 20 hexagonal faces and 12 pentagonal faces — the same pattern found on a standard soccer ball. This highly symmetrical structure gives C60 exceptional stability and its unique ability to interact with and neutralize free radicals across its entire surface.
U
UV Protection
The shielding of a substance from ultraviolet radiation, which can degrade sensitive molecules like C60. Proper UV protection during storage is essential for maintaining C60 potency. C60 Power ships all oil products in dark violet glass (Miron glass) bottles that block harmful UV wavelengths while allowing beneficial violet light to pass through.
V
Violet Glass (Miron Glass)
A specialized dark glass that blocks the full spectrum of visible light while allowing UV-A and violet light through, which is believed to help preserve the energy and freshness of the contents. C60 Power packages its C60 oils in violet glass bottles to protect the product from light-induced degradation during storage.
Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is found naturally in carrier oils used for C60, particularly avocado oil and olive oil. When combined with C60, the dual antioxidant presence may provide complementary protection against free radical damage.
W
Water Solubility
The ability of a substance to dissolve in water. C60 is not water-soluble — it is lipophilic (fat-soluble) and must be dissolved in an oil or lipid carrier for effective absorption by the body. This is why all effective C60 supplements use carrier oils such as olive oil, MCT oil, or avocado oil.