Sym White

SymWhite® 377 — INCI Product Details

Trade name: SymWhite® 377
INCI name: Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Ingredient category: Skin-brightening active and antioxidant
Appearance: White to pale-beige crystalline powder
Solubility: Limited water solubility; soluble in selected glycols, alcohol and cosmetic emollients

Product description

SymWhite® 377 is a high-performance cosmetic active developed by Symrise to improve the appearance of dark spots, post-blemish marks and uneven skin tone. It works primarily by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin formation, helping promote a brighter and more even-looking complexion.

It also provides antioxidant activity, helping protect the skin against environmental oxidative stress associated with dullness and uneven pigmentation. Symrise describes it as a nature-inspired brightening ingredient; it should not be described as a direct pine-bark extract. 

Cosmetic benefits

• Reduces the appearance of dark spots

• Improves uneven-looking skin tone

• Helps fade the appearance of post-inflammatory marks

• Promotes a brighter, more radiant complexion

• Provides antioxidant protection

• Suitable for facial, body and underarm brightening products

Recommended usage rate

0.1–0.5% is the standard formulation range, with 0.5% commonly used in targeted brightening products. Increasing the concentration above the supplier-recommended range may increase irritation without providing proportional benefits.

Formulation guidance

• Pre-dissolve in a suitable glycol, alcohol or compatible cosmetic emollient.

• Add during the cool-down stage, preferably below 45°C.

• A finished-product pH of approximately 4.0–5.5 is generally preferred.

• Ensure the powder is completely dissolved to prevent crystallisation during storage.

• Protect the formulation from excessive light, heat and oxidation.

• Opaque or airless packaging is recommended.

• Conduct stability, compatibility and preservative-efficacy testing on the finished product.

Compatible ingredients

SymWhite® 377 may be formulated alongside:

• Niacinamide

• Alpha Arbutin

• Tranexamic Acid

• Vitamin C derivatives

• N-Acetyl Glucosamine

• Licorice Extract

• Bisabolol

• Panthenol

These ingredients require separate solubility and phase considerations; they should not simply be mixed together as powders.

Applications

Suitable for:

• Dark-spot correcting serums

• Brightening face creams

• Body lotions

• Underarm products

• Post-blemish treatments

• Night creams

• Hand and décolletage products

Finished-product ingredient declaration: Phenylethyl Resorcinol

For best consumer results, brightening products containing Phenylethyl Resorcinol should be paired with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.