Hexylresorcinol is a synthetic compound that has a long history of use in food processing, medicine, and skincare. In cosmetics it is used as an anti-pigment ingredient, reducing the appearance of dark spots.
This has been tested by two different clinical studies, one with hexylresorcinol only and one with a mixture of active ingredients along with vitamin C, vitamin E, and silymarin. Both studies revealed a good efficacy of hexylresorcinol, as well as the mechanism of action – it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase (which is responsible for the production of melanin in our skin).
The tests lasted for 12 weeks, which may not be enough to get rid of the spots completely, but there was a significant improvement – 88% less pigmentation in the single ingredient study and 45% in the combination study.
Other uses of hexylresorcinol are, for example, in throat lozenges as an antiseptic agent and in the processing of fresh fruit and shrimp as an antioxidant and anti-browning agent. These properties can be also utilized in skincare products for better stability.
Science
1
Draelos, Z. D., Diaz, I., Cohen, A., Mao, J., & Boyd, T. (2020). A novel skin brightening topical technology. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 10.1111/jocd.13741. Advance online publication.
2
Won, Y. K., Loy, C. J., Randhawa, M., & Southall, M. D. (2014). Clinical efficacy and safety of 4-hexyl-1,3-phenylenediol for improving skin hyperpigmentation. Archives of dermatological research, 306(5), 455–465.
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