Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Phenylethyl Resorcinol

4-Hexylresorcinol isomer / Symwhite 377

Safety Notes

Potent tyrosinase inhibitor; clinical evidence for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; better tolerated than hydroquinone; EU and Korea permitted; India no restriction; often marketed as 'Symwhite 377'; low sensitization risk at cosmetic concentrations

Function & Common Use

Function

Active (skin brightening)

Category

Active Ingredient

Common In

Brightening serums hyperpigmentation products

Origin

Synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Format restriction: Leave-on

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenylethyl Resorcinol safe to use in skincare?

Phenylethyl Resorcinol has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Potent tyrosinase inhibitor; clinical evidence for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; better tolerated than hydroquinone; EU and Korea permitted; India no restriction; often marketed as 'Symwhite 377'; low sensitization risk at cosmetic concentrations

Is Phenylethyl Resorcinol allowed in India?

Phenylethyl Resorcinol is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Phenylethyl Resorcinol used for in cosmetics?

Phenylethyl Resorcinol functions as: Active (skin brightening). It is commonly found in: Brightening serums hyperpigmentation products.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS85-27-8
EC201-609-5

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