Comparison of Sym-White (Phenylethyl Resorcinol) and Activated Resorcinol (4-Butyl Resorcinol)

Here is a comparison of Sym-White (Phenylethyl Resorcinol) and Activated Resorcinol (4-Butyl Resorcinol) based on their efficacy and mixing instructions:

1. Efficacy in Reducing Pigmentation

Both Phenylethyl Resorcinol and Activated Resorcinol are highly effective skin brightening agents that work by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production. Studies indicate that both are significantly more potent than many traditional whitening ingredients like Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C, and regular Arbutin.

• Phenylethyl Resorcinol has shown very high efficacy in inhibiting tyrosinase in experimental settings, including being reported as over 210 times more effective than Kojic Acid in cell-based experiments.
• Activated Resorcinol is also noted for its strong ability to reduce pigmentation and is considered more efficient than Alpha Arbutin.

While both are powerful, the specific comparative efficacy can depend on the formulation and individual response. Both are considered top-tier ingredients for addressing hyperpigmentation.

2. Mixing Instructions

The mixing instructions for these two ingredients differ:

• Phenylethyl Resorcinol: This ingredient should be added in the final step of your formulation. The formula must contain an oil phase for it to dissolve properly, but you do not need to pre-dissolve the Phenylethyl Resorcinol in the oil phase before adding it to the main mixture. It can be added directly to the cream or lotion base in the final step.
• Activated Resorcinol: This ingredient is soluble in oil. For mixing, you should first melt or dissolve the Activated Resorcinol in the oil phase of your formulation before combining it with the water phase and other ingredients.