Hydroxyacetophenone

P-hydroxyacetophenone is a multifunctional skin care ingredient, mainly having the functions of whitening and beautifying the complexion, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, and calming and soothing. It can inhibit melanin synthesis and alleviate pigmentation and freckles. As a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, it can improve skin infections. It can also soothe skin irritation and is suitable for sensitive skin.

1. Promoting bile secretion

It has a cholagogic effect, can promote bile secretion, help excrete bilirubin and bile acids in bile, and has a certain auxiliary effect on the treatment of jaundice and some liver and gallbladder diseases. It is also used in the preparation of certain drugs, such as choleretic drugs and other organic synthetic drugs, as an intermediate in drug synthesis.

2. Antioxidant properties

Because it contains phenolic hydroxyl groups, p-hydroxyacetophenone has certain antioxidant properties and is usually used as an antioxidant. Its antioxidant and antibacterial properties both come from the hydroxyl groups, making it an antioxidant (phenolic and ketone characteristics). It has strong antioxidant properties, can eliminate free radicals in the body, protect cells from oxidative damage, and thus has the functions of disease prevention and anti-aging.

3. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

It is effective against fungi, has a strong killing ability against Aspergillus Niger, and also has a certain inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has excellent stability within a wide range of pH and temperature. It has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on skin infections and inflammation.

4. As a spice and preservative

It is also often used as a preservative enhancer (frequently combined with hexanediol, pentyl glycol, octanol, ethylhexylglycerol, etc. to replace traditional preservatives). P-hydroxyacetophenone is commonly used as a flavoring and preservative, which can extend the shelf life of products and endow them with specific aromas.

5. Whitening agent

From “preservative” to “whitening agent”, the discovery of p-hydroxyacetophenone has shown us that some raw materials in cosmetics may still hold many untapped potentials.

The carbonyl part of p-hydroxyacetophenone can deeply embed into the active site of tyrosinase, while its phenolic hydroxyl group can form stable hydrogen bonds with key amino acid residues. This unique binding method enables it to firmly “lock” tyrosinase, thereby blocking the production of melanin.

In the future, with the deepening of more research and the accumulation of clinical verification, p-hydroxyacetophenone is expected to play an increasingly important role in the field of whitening and skin care, becoming a next-generation whitening ingredient that combines safety and significant efficacy.