He
Hexylresorcinol
HexylresorcinolActive
A dark-spot fader related to resorcinol. The evidence is two small trials.
What it does
It blocks tyrosinase, the enzyme skin uses to make pigment, and lab tests rank it among the strongest blockers. It’s also used as an antiseptic and in food.
The evidence, graded
strongIn a randomised, double-blind, split-face trial by Unilever researchers, a cream with niacinamide and hexylresorcinol lightened dark spots more over 12 weeks than niacinamide alone, with no product-related adverse events. In a randomised, double-blind trial of 32 women, 1% hexylresorcinol on one side of the face and hand and 2% hydroquinone on the other both reduced pigment at 4 and 12 weeks, with no difference between them and no side effects noted. Neither trial compared it with a plain cream.Shariff 2022 · International journal of cosmetic science ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
4-hexylresorcinol
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