INCI Phenylethyl resorcinol, also known as 4-(1-phenylethyl)-1,3-benzenediol, is a resorcinol derivative developed by Symrise Company. The whitening raw material is commonly known as SymWhite377. Phenethyl resorcinol has a strong antioxidant effect and strongly inhibits tyrosinase activity.
Structure and Characteristics
The research and application of resorcin derivatives has attracted much attention in recent years. After the phenethyl group is introduced at the 4-position of the phenyl ring of resorcin, the free phenolic hydroxyl group can easily interact with the key enzyme tyrosinase in melanin synthesis. active center region binding. Compounds with a bisphenol hydroxyl structure usually have strong antioxidant properties and have a good inhibitory effect on the oxidation reaction during the melanin synthesis process, and have become widely used in skin whitening agents. Phenethylresorcinol is slightly soluble in water and easily soluble in propylene glycol and butylene glycol.
Whitening Mechanism of Phenethyl Resorcinol
It is reported that researchers used mushroom tyrosinase comparison tests and found that phenethylresorcinol was more than 20 times more effective than kojic acid in inhibiting mushroom tyrosinase.
Test results using melanoma cells show that phenylethyl resorcinol is a powerful inhibitor of melanin synthesis, about 2.5 times that of hexylresorcinol.
Phenylethyl resorcinol can significantly inhibit tyrosinase activity at very low concentrations. According to the literature, researchers conducted a whitening test on 12 subjects and found that 0.5% phenethylresorcinol can effectively whiten people's skin.
Tests and analyzes have shown that phenethyl resorcinol has an inhibitory effect on the enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the production of melanin and is a tyrosinase inhibitor.
Phenethylresorcinol Uses
The former State Food and Drug Administration approved phenylethyl resorcinol(trade name SymWhite®377) in 2012 for the purpose of whitening skin and inhibiting the formation of melanin by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase.
The recommended dosage of phenylethyl resorcinol in cosmetics is 0.1%~0.5%. It is reported that some consumers in Japan suffered from allergic contact dermatitis after using cosmetics containing 1% to 2% phenylethyl resorcinol.
Is Phenylethyl Resorcinol Safe for Skin
Phenylethyl resorcinol is a compound used in skincare products primarily for its skin-lightening or brightening properties. It's often included in formulations targeted towards reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
As for safety, it has been extensively studied for its efficacy and safety profile. It is generally considered safe for topical use in skincare products when used in appropriate concentrations. However, as with any skincare ingredient, there is always a possibility of individual sensitivity or allergic reactions.
It's important to note that skincare products containing SymWhite®377 should be used as directed, and if you have sensitive skin or any concerns about using products containing this ingredient, it's advisable to perform a patch test or consult with a dermatologist before incorporating them into your skincare routine. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid using products containing this ingredient on broken or irritated skin.
Phenylethyl resorcinol has certain limitations in formula application. It is difficult to dissolve in water, has poor photostability, and is prone to discoloration when exposed to light.
In research and development, some use liposome inclusion technology to improve its stability. Chelating agents such as EDTA and phytic acid are often added to the formula to enhance its antioxidant properties.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol vs Hexylresorcinol
What is Hexylresorcinol
Hexylresorcinol is the most well-known alkylresorcin derivative and an excellent inhibitor of polyphenol oxidase. In terms of whitening, it can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase and block the production of melanin. In addition , can also prevent UVA, UVB damage, and have anti-wrinkle effects.
Hexylresorcinol Functions
Strong tyrosinase inhibitor and strong peroxidase inhibitor: inhibit melanin production and act on 6 positions of the melanin production pathway;
Promote glutathione synthesis: Glutathione is essential for the purification process of the skin. Age, external pressure, environmental pollution and other reasons cause the natural synthesis of glutathione in the body to gradually decrease, Promote glutathione synthesis: Glutathione is essential for the purification process of the skin. Age, external pressure, environmental pollution and other reasons cause the natural synthesis of glutathione in the body to gradually decrease, causing glutathione to be in a low levels and therefore increased tyrosinase activity in melanocytes. On the contrary, it promotes the synthesis of glutathione and reaches a high level of glutathione, which not only inhibits tyrosinase synthesis, but also protects cells from oxidative damage.
Reduce DNA damage: Reduce melanin synthesis by protecting DNA.
Anti-glycation reaction: Inhibit glycation and prevent glycation damage from causing skin darkening.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial: Inhibits propionibacterium acnes and other microorganisms.
Hexylresorcinol Uses
Hexylresorcinol is used in a series of products such as whitening, anti-aging, and repair in cosmetics. It has the functions of whitening, removing freckles, and antioxidants. The products are in the form of lotions, creams, essences, etc.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol and hexylresorcinol are derivatives of benzene, with phenethyl and hexyl groups connected to their structures respectively.
SymWhite®377 has good antioxidant properties and stability and is widely used in the cosmetics industry and high-performance materials.
Hexylresorcinol has the characteristics of strong activity and can be used for the synthesis of polymers and the fixation of perfumes.
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