Hexylresorcinol
What Is It?
Hexylresorcinol is a yellow, sticky liquid that solidifies upon standing.
Why Is It Used?
Hexylresorcinol is an antimicrobial ingredient that kills, prevents, or inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Hexylresorcinol also helps to cleanse the skin or prevent odor by destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
Scientific Facts
Hexylresorcinol is an organic compoundA compound that contains carbon and hydrogen and usually other elements such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen.. It has a pungent odor and a sharp, astringent taste. Other technical names for hexylresorcinol include 1,3-Dihydroxy-4-Hexylbenzene, 4-Hexylresorcine, and 4-Hexylresorcinol. Hexylresorcinol is also used as a drug to kill parasitic worms that can invade the body’s digestive tract.
Safety Information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of hexylresorcinol in different types of over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, including first aid antiseptic medications and oral health care drugIngredients that are applied topically for use in properly caring for the oral cavity. In the United States, oral health care drugs are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients. products. On September 6, 2016, the FDA issued a final rule on the ‘Safety and Effectiveness of Consumer Antiseptics; Topical Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use,’ concluding that consumer antiseptic products intended for use with water (including antibacterial soaps, hand washes, and body washes) that contain any of 19 specific active ingredients (including hexylresorcinol) can no longer be marketed. The FDA concluded that manufacturers had not adequately demonstrated products containing these ingredients are both safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections. Prior to the FDA ruling, some manufacturers had already started removing these ingredients from their products.
The U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) Expert Panel has deferred review of this ingredient because the safety has already been assessed by the FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.
Hexylresorcinol may be used as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe in accordance with the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union. However, since hexylresorcinol is not specifically listed in Annex V, it is not permitted for use as a preservativeIngredients that prevent or retard bacterial growth, and thus protect cosmetic products from spoilage. in the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation.