Moderate evidence

Hexylresorcinol for Melasma

A potent dark-spot fader long favored by dermatologists. Pairs strongly with niacinamide for stubborn discoloration without the irritation of hydroquinone.

Why it works for Melasma

Fades dark patches by slowing pigment production, and it also works as an antioxidant. In split-face studies it matched 2% hydroquinone for facial dark spots including melasma, without hydroquinone's downsides. A good choice if you cannot tolerate hydroquinone or have finished a course of it.

How Hexylresorcinol works

Resorcinol derivative that competitively inhibits tyrosinase and activates the Nrf2 antioxidant response, addressing both melanogenesis and pigment-driving oxidative stress.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Hexylresorcinol ingredient page.

journal2023

Wu A, Gabriel V, Burney W, Chambers C, Pan A, Sivamani RK, Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study of split-body comparison of topical hydroquinone and hexylresorcinol for skin pigment appearance, Archives of Dermatological Research 2023;315(7):2095-2099 — split-body RCT, 1% hexylresorcinol equivalent to 2% hydroquinone in pigmentation reduction at 4 and 12 weeks

journal2022

Shariff R et al., Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2022;44(1):103-117

journal2020

Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Cohen A, Mao J, Boyd T, A novel skin brightening topical technology, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2020;19(12):3280-3285 — 12-week clinical trial (n=42) of hexylresorcinol + silymarin + vitamins C/E showed 45% improvement in brightening and improvements in evenness and fine lines

journal2013

Makino ET, Mehta RC, Banga A, Jain P, Sigler ML, Sonti S, Evaluation of a hydroquinone-free skin brightening product using in vitro inhibition of melanogenesis and clinical reduction of ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2013;12(3):s16-20

Products with Hexylresorcinol in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Hexylresorcinol as a tracked ingredient.

Sunday Riley

U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil

$40 · Treatment

Full Hexylresorcinol guide →Melasma overview →