4-Hexylresorcinol is a small amphiphilic organic chemical compound (substituted dihydroxybenzene), phenol and synthetic alkyl resorcinol lipid that is extracted from plants. It is synthesised from resorcinol and caproic acid.
It appears as a yellowish, viscous liquid.
What it is used for and where
Food
Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E586 with antimicrobial, antiseptic and antioxidant functions. It also has a non-enzymatic lightening and anti-browning function and is a potent inhibitor of shrimp melanosis (1).
Medical
4-Hexylresorcinol has an antimicrobial action and can be applied to many types of surgical wounds for its anti-inflammatory and capillary regeneration properties (2) and is included in mouthwashes and cleansers for the treatment of skin wounds.
Cosmetics
Antimicrobial incorporated in skin lotions, toothpastes.
Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.
Other uses
- Animal feeding as a substitute for antibiotic administration (3).
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- Molecular Formula C12H18O2
- Molecular Weight 194.27
- CAS 136-77-6
- UNII R9QTB5E82N
- EC Number 205-257-4
