The ingredient, explained

4-butylresorcinol

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

Antioxidant

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

1‚3-Dihydroxy-4-N Butyl Benzene

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Antioxidant: Limits oxidation, including deterioration of formulation ingredients. This label alone does not show a clinical antioxidant effect in skin.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Laboratory and human research

Biochemical and skin-model tests found inhibition of human tyrosinase and melanin production. Vehicle-controlled forearm age spots visibly improved within eight weeks.

What this does not tell us

Abstract lacks human count, randomization and blinding details. Model potency is separate from clinical effect; tested age-spot formulas and endpoints do not establish all pigmentation indications.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 23205541 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.