Phenylethyl Resorcinol
INCI: PHENYLETHYL RESORCINOL
CAS 85-27-8
1,3-Benzenediol, 4-(1-Phenylethyl)-
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details
Description
1,3-Benzenediol, 4-(1-Phenylethyl)-
Purpose
Function
Tyrosinase inhibitor; TRP-1 inhibitor; melanogenesis inhibitor
Profile
Properties
Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance
Regulatory Status
EU
Permitted
Safety
EXCELLENT
US
Permitted
Absorptionhigh
Sensitizationnone
MoSnot established
NOAEL40 mg/kg
ConcernNone
Flags
eu-unrestrictedus-permittedsymrise-patented-symwhite-377tyrosinase-inhibitortrp-1-inhibitor22x-more-potent-than-kojic-acid-in-vitrooil-solublechemically-stablelow-concentration-active-0.1-0.5pctno-oxidation-instabilityno-dedicated-mos
Verdict
Phenylethyl Resorcinol (CAS 85-27-8, Symwhite 377) is a patented synthetic resorcinol derivative with dual mechanism inhibiting both tyrosinase and TRP-1, approximately 22x more potent than kojic acid. Oil-soluble, chemically stable, and active at very low concentrations (0.1-0.5%), reducing systemic exposure concerns. Unrestricted in EU and US cosmetics with no published SCCS or CIR margin of safety; formulator safety substantiation required.
US Note
Permitted cosmetic ingredient. No specific FDA restriction. Not listed in OTC drug monographs. Cosmetic brightening claims acceptable. Patent-protected by Symrise.
Assessment
Ratings
Reference