Hexylresorcinol

What is it?

A tyrosinase-inhibiting brightening agent with antioxidant properties, used as a gentler alternative to hydroquinone for treating dyspigmentation.

What does it do?

According to PubMed, a prospective, randomized, double-blind split-body clinical trial in 32 participants found topical 1% hexylresorcinol was equally effective as 2% hydroquinone at reducing facial and hand pigmentation over 12 weeks, with no adverse effects noted for either treatment (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-022-02514-0). A separate double-blind clinical study found a multi-mechanism skin-brightening formulation containing hexylresorcinol (among other actives including niacinamide and retinol) produced statistically significant reductions in UV-induced hyperpigmentation, outperforming 4% hydroquinone cream on brightness measurements (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545928/ -- no DOI listed for this article in PubMed).

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Sources

Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study of split-body comparison of topical hydroquinone and hexylresorcinol for skin pigment appearance

Important disclaimer

This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.