When an ingredient is a bit of a tongue twister it can be off-putting. However, you can trust us when we say that hexylresorcinol won’t hurt you. Instead, it’ll improve your skin on multiple levels. To prove it to you, we had experts break down just what this adaptable ingredient does when included in skin care.
What is hexylresorcinol?
Hexylresorcinol is a type of phenolic lipid that is found in whole grain wheat and rye and is traditionally used as an antiseptic and anesthetic in mouthwashes and throat lozenges, says New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD. It’s also been used to treat minor cuts, scrapes and skin infections, she adds.
When it comes to skin care, it's best known as “an age-fighting, anti-glycation agent that brightens and promotes an even skin tone while reducing future discoloration,” says Lia Arvanitidou, PhD, global vice president for Colgate-Palmolive’s research and development for skin health businesses. Additional benefits include DNA protection and anti-inflammatory properties, notes Dr. Arvanitidou.
Products with hexylresorcinol to try
If all of these benefits got you excited to try hexylresorcinol, we've got a few product recommendations for you. Both Dr. Longwill and Dr. Peredo recommend PCA Skin’s C & E Advanced ($125). “It’s a great treatment that contains hexylresorcinol,” says Dr. Peredo. “It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and signs of aging. It also soothes the skin and is good for all skin types.” Dr. Arvanitidou says PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment ($115) and PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin ($115) are also great products with hexylresorcinol. Skinbetter Even Tone Correcting Serum ($150) is another product worth checking out.
