However, a relatively longterm application of 4-n-butylresorcinol was necessary to achieve the hypopigmenting effect in the previous studies. Additionally, adverse events, including mild erythema, dryness, peeling and desquamation, were experienced in 8/28 patients (28.6%) in a recent double-blind study10.
Conclusion: The present in vitro and in vivo data prove the high inhibitory capacity of 4-n-butylresorcinol on human tyrosinase activity, exceeding by far the potency of hydroquinone, arbutin and kojic acid.
Adverse Effects
Mild skin irritation and sensitization, including burning, stinging, and allergic dermatitis, have occurred following topical application of hydroquinone and reportedly occur more frequently with 4% than with 2% concentrations of the drug.
Clinical studies on 4-n-butylresorcinol have demonstrated its effectiveness in the management of hyperpigmentation. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial by Akasaka et al12 use of 4-n-butylresorcinol 0.3% serum for 18 weeks resulted in good improvement in subjects with postlaser pigmented lesions.
Of all skin cancer-related deaths, 79% are from melanoma. In this disease, cancer develops in cells (melanocytes) that produce skin pigmentation. A black or brown spot appears, typically, on the torso of males and lower legs of females. It may also form on the palm of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Safety profile
4-Butylresorcinol is extremely well tolerated and is safe for topical use.
The side effects were very limited. After 4 weeks, mild erythema and itching were seen in 2 (10%) patients, which was all self-limiting. After 8 weeks, no adverse events related to the study product were observed by the investigators or experienced by the patients.
Hydroquinone 4%
In most cases, lightening of skin should be seen after four weeks of treatment. Stop using Hydroquinone 2 days prior to any procedure.
With GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, hexylresorcinol is a great choice for beauty brands seeking to provide skin lightening and even toning benefits in their next skin care formula. Hexylresorcinol was introduced to the skin care market in 2007 under the trade name Synovea® HR.
These findings indicated that the 4% HQ cream is a more effective topical depigmenting agent, with a rapid rate of clinical improvement, when compared with the 0.75% kojic acid cream. 4-n-Butylresorcinol also directly inhibits the activities of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1).
Hydroquinone does not physically bleach the skin; rather, it reduces the appearance of dark spots by decreasing the production of melanin, a biological polymer that contributes to hair and skin color.
According to doctors, damage caused by the application of hydroquinone can be reversed by exposing the affected area to the sun.
SOURCES. Plant phenolics, which include resorcinol ring-containing components, are abundant in nature and thoroughly studied. Broad bean, honey mushroom, yellow pond lily seedling exudates and tobacco leaf extracts have all been reported to have it.
Salicylic acid
It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.
However, 4% Hydroquinone is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream. The side effects of both the hypopigmenting agents were not significant.
4-n-butylresorcinol (4-nBR) is a valuable ingredient to lighten skin and reduce pigmentation, contributing to an even skin tone and a more youthful appearance. However, its poor solubility, low stability, and strong irritation to the skin limit its application.
Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin.
Skin pigmentation is a common condition that can be triggered by various factors. The three leading causes of skin pigmentation are genetics, sun exposure, and particular medications. Understanding the fundamental causes of skin pigmentation will help us understand how to treat and prevent it [2].
There are ten major sources of vitamin B12 fruits. These are apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, guava, avocado, pomegranate, kiwi, and blueberries. Apples- Apples rank first in the vitamin B12 fruits list.