Common Name(s): Trihydroxychalcone,trihydroxychalcone,chalcone polyphenol,tyrosinase-inhibiting brightener

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides chalcone michael acceptor tyrosinase cu²⁺ chelation for potent melanogenesis inhibition, phenolic radical scavenging antioxidant activity, and nf-kb anti-inflammatory activity.

Why It's Used: Trihydroxychalcone is selected for chalcone-specific tyrosinase inhibition — the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl (chalcone enone) provides a michael acceptor for tyrosinase cu²⁺ chelation that is mechanistically distinct from and additive to hydroxystilbene and flavone-type tyrosinase inhibitors.

How It Works: Chalcone enone: michael acceptor → cu²⁺ chelation from tyrosinase active site → enzyme inhibition; catechol hydroxyls → radical scavenging; chalcone ring → nf-kb inhibition.

Typically Found In: Brightening,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.05%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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

Trihydroxychalcone provides additive brightening when combined with other mechanism-class inhibitors — the michael acceptor cu²⁺ chelation is complementary to competitive tyrosinase inhibitors like kojic acid and arbutin.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,trihydroxychalcone chalcone tyrosinase brightener review