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Phenylethyl Resorcinol

What Phenylethyl Resorcinol is & what it does

A potent brightening active that helps fade the look of dark spots and even tone by strongly limiting pigment formation. It also offers antioxidant benefits.

What does Phenylethyl Resorcinol do in skincare?

Phenylethyl Resorcinol is a resorcinol-derived ingredient used in brightening and even-tone products. It is included to help with the look of uneven skin tone and is often paired with vitamin C or other antioxidants. It is typically used at low concentrations.

Is Phenylethyl Resorcinol safe?

Phenylethyl Resorcinol is used in cosmetics at low levels and is generally regarded as suitable for topical use in finished products. It can be sensitive to light and air, so it is usually stabilized within the formula. Anyone with reactive skin can patch test, and follow the product directions.

Is Phenylethyl Resorcinol natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. It belongs to the resorcinol family of compounds and is produced through chemical synthesis for cosmetic use rather than extracted from a plant in this form.

Sunscreens with Phenylethyl Resorcinol

We rate 41 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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