PoreWise One finding · Human trial · 2022
Study title
Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide
- Kind of evidence
- Human trial 2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · PMID 34958693
- Measured outcome
- Skin effect
- Year
- 2022
- Who was studied
- Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study
- Sample size
- Measured outcome
- In a 12-week randomized, double-blind half-face study, a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide improved hyperpigmentation spots (L*), the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and skin firmness significantly more than niacinamide alone.
- Certainty
- Moderate
- Who was measured
- Chinese adults using the combination cream twice daily for 12 weeks in a split-face design.
- Study limits
- Industry-funded (Unilever R&D); part of the evidence comes from in-vitro melanocyte and 3D skin models.
Where it comes from
- Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide
Published by International Journal of Cosmetic Science (Shariff R, et al.) · Last checked 2026-11-10
Ingredients it was measured on
Skin concerns studied
Other findings on the same ingredient or concern
- Skin effectEfficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
In 30 women with melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a serum combining lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide reduced skin tone unevenness by 38% and 33% respectively over 16 weeks (P < 0.008).
Human trial · 2026 · 30 people · women (15 melasma, 15 PIH), 70% Fitzpatrick IV-VI · Women with melasma or PIH, 70% with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, applying the serum twice daily for 16 weeks. · 30 participants; "skin tone unevenness" is a sponsor-defined endpoint.
- Skin effectEvaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide
In a randomized, placebo-controlled split-face study of 30 healthy Japanese women, a cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide reduced the skin-surface average roughness (Ra) value significantly more than the niacinamide-free control site after 8 weeks (P<0.05).
Human trial · 2008 · 30 people · healthy Japanese women with wrinkles in the eye areas · Skin-surface roughness measured by replica profilometry (Ra). · Measured at the eye area on a photoaged/wrinkle cohort; the endpoint is surface roughness.
- Skin effectAn Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide for the Prevention of Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color
In 20 people with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V, a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing sclareolide and niacinamide significantly prevented experimentally induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: in stripped, exposed zones the protected skin improved by +5.96 ITA degrees versus -9.88 in unprotected skin (net protection about 16 ITA degrees, p < 0.001).
Human trial · 2026 · 20 people · participants with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V · People with darker skin phototypes (IV-V) prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, applying the sunscreen daily for 20 days under UV and visible-light exposure. · Small sample (20), within-subject controlled model of experimentally induced pigmentation; the abstract calls for comparative studies with and; industry involvement.
- Skin effectCosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomized proof-of-concept clinical studies
In 72 women with visible signs of ageing, a niacinamide-containing biomimetic lamellar cream significantly improved the Cutometer R5 elasticity parameter, wrinkle score, TEWL and corneometer values over 4 weeks compared against the untreated side.
Human trial · 2019 · 72 people · women with visible signs of ageing (Study 2) · Women with visible signs of ageing, applying the cream twice daily for 4 weeks. · Grading of high-resolution images failed to detect improvements in skin texture; proof-of-concept studies.
- Skin effectA Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use
In 91 women with melasma, a skincare routine containing vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and 2-mercaptonicotinyl glycine significantly reduced MASI after 3 months, with roughly 38-41% reduction by 6 months.
Human trial · 2025 · 91 people · women with melasma · Women aged about 44 with melasma, phototypes III-IV, using the routine twice daily with daily SPF50+ sunscreen. · A clinically relevant difference favoured Kligman's triple combination in the first 3 months; industry-funded; skin radiance and fine wrinkles also improved.