Common Name(s): 3-hydroxybenzoic acid,3-hydroxybenzoic acid,hydroxybenzoic acid derivative,antioxidant brightening active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antioxidant radical scavenging from the aromatic hydroxyl's h-atom donation, mild tyrosinase inhibition for brightening, and anti-inflammatory activity from phenolic nf-kb modulation.
Why It's Used: Hydroxylated benzoic acid pharmacophores provide the baseline phenolic antioxidant activity that all more complex polyphenols build upon โ the catechol (ortho-diol) arrangement provides especially potent radical scavenging from the delocalized catecholate radical intermediate.
How It Works: Catechol dihydroxyl provides two sequential h-atom donations to peroxyl radicals: aroh + rooโข โ aroโข + rooh (first); aroโข (catecholate, resonance-stabilised) + rooโข โ aro + additional rooh (second). two antioxidant equivalents per molecule from ortho-diol geometry. tyrosinase inhibition from cuยฒโบ chelation by the catechol.
Typically Found In: Antioxidant,brightening
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Catechol auto-oxidation monitoring: ortho-diol groups oxidise readily to ortho-quinones in air โ formulation antioxidant protection (ascorbic acid, tocopherol) and oxygen-barrier packaging maintain catechol potency throughout shelf life.
Last Verified: Cosing database,3-hydroxybenzoic acid hydroxybenzoic acid catechol antioxidant review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22