a naturally occurring phenolic acid found in various plants like green tea, grapes, oak bark, sumac, and witch hazel. When applied topically, research suggests it offers several benefits for the skin due to its potent biological activities.

Gallic acid (GA), or 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, is a naturally occurring phenolic acid found in various plants like green tea, grapes, oak bark, sumac, and witch hazel. When applied topically, research suggests it offers several benefits for the skin due to its potent biological activities.

Here are some topical benefits of gallic acid supported by research citations:

1. Antioxidant and Photoprotective Effects:
   • Gallic acid is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals generated by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution. This action helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage, a key factor in premature aging.
   • Studies have shown GA effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells (Hsu et al., 2023; Kim, 2007).
   • Gallic acid has been reported to protect against UVB-induced skin damage, including preventing epidermal thickening and oxidative damage (Che et al., 2017; Putri et al., 2021).
   • A derivative, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, activated by skin microflora, shows significant antioxidant capacity, potentially superior to Vitamin C in some assays (Liu et al., 2022).
     
     
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties:
   • Gallic acid can help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and soothe irritated skin, making it potentially beneficial for conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema.
   • It has been shown to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory chemokines in stimulated human keratinocytes by inhibiting signaling pathways like MAPK, NF-κB, and Akt (Hsu et al., 2023).
   • Animal studies suggest GA can ameliorate atopic dermatitis–like skin inflammation by regulating immune responses (Dai et al., 2021).
   • Formulations like GA-loaded nanovesicles have shown promise in reducing inflammatory lesions in clinical studies on acne patients (Hatem et al., 2024).
     
     
3. Skin Brightening and Anti-Hyperpigmentation:
   • Gallic acid can inhibit tyrosinase, the key enzyme responsible for melanin (pigment) production in the skin, suggesting potential for treating hyperpigmentation issues like dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
   • Research indicates GA directly inhibits tyrosinase activity and reduces melanin content in melanoma cell lines (Kim, 2007).
   • Studies suggest GA interferes with multiple signaling pathways involved in melanogenesis, including PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin (Tsai et al., 2013).
   • Diglucosyl Gallic Acid is specifically noted for inhibiting tyrosinase generation and preventing melanin transfer (Liu et al., 2022).
     
     
4. Anti-aging Effects:
   • By fighting oxidative stress and potentially inhibiting enzymes that degrade collagen, gallic acid may help reduce signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
   • In silico studies suggest GA can bind to and potentially inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), an enzyme that breaks down collagen in response to UV exposure (Putri et al., 2021).
   • Gallic acid conjugated with peptides or delivered via gold nanoparticles has shown in vitro activity to increase collagen expression and decrease MMP-1 expression (Lee et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2021).
   • Studies in fibroblasts and mice indicate GA can regulate skin photoaging processes (Hwang et al., Nutrients, as cited in Putri et al., 2021).
     
     
5. Wound Healing:
   • The combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of gallic acid can support the complex process of wound healing.
   • Formulations like gallic acid-infused emulgels and liquid bandages have been developed and show promise for wound management by potentially reducing inflammation and providing sustained delivery (Dhandhi et al., 2025; Desai et al., 2024).
   • A gallic acid nanocrystal hydrogel demonstrated accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammation, and inhibited scar formation in a mouse model (Chen et al., 2025).
     
     
6. Antimicrobial and Acne Treatment:
   • Gallic acid exhibits antimicrobial activity, including against bacteria implicated in acne (Propionibacterium acnes or Cutibacterium acnes). It may also help regulate sebum production.
   • Topical formulations containing GA have been investigated specifically for acne treatment, leveraging its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (Hatem et al., 2024).
   • Its antimicrobial potential contributes to its proposed use in cosmetic products (General reviews, e.g., ResearchGate compilation).

Use: main ingredient in any product To help nourish aging skin, aging skin

How to mix: mix in water

Utilization rate: 0.1-3.0%

Product characteristics: Colorless to light yellow liquid

Solubility: Dispersible in water

Storage: Valid for 24 months, please store in the refrigerator at 6 °C -8 °C

INCI Name : Water, Propelene glycol, Gallic acid, Coco glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin