Rhododendrol

What is rhododendrol?

Rhododendrol is a natural compound found in the plants of the Rhododendron genus (R, R). It is a skin lightening ingredient that was developed in 2008, but recalled in 2013 for causing hypopigmentation of the skin (R) in between 2% to 2.5% of users (R).

Does rhododendrol get absorbed?

Rhododendrol is capable of permeating pig ear skin, but the amount that permeates is reduced when the same dose is applied in layers, especially when the interval between the applications is long (R).

What happens after rhododendrol is absorbed?

Rhododendrol is oxidised by the human tyrosinase enzyme (R), generating hydroxyl radicals that are toxic to melanocytes (R). It is partially metabolised to raspberry ketone in human skin, which can also cause hypopigmentation (R).