ZLEY® BRC – 4-Butylresorcinol (CAS 1135-24-6):
High-Efficacy Brightening Agent for Spot Correction & Even Tone

Product Overview
ZLEY® BRC (INCI: 4-Butylresorcinol) is a potent brightening agent that acts directly on the active center of tyrosinase within melanosomes. It inhibits both tyrosinase activity and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) activity, blocking melanin formation while promoting tyrosinase degradation. In addition, it accelerates the breakdown and elimination of existing melanin. This dual mechanism reduces skin pigmentation and fades dark spots without causing cytotoxicity to melanocytes.
ZLEY® is a professional supplier of 4-Butylresorcinol (CAS 1135-24-6), providing stable quality, technical support, and global delivery covering over 60 countries.
ZLEY® BRC Product Information
| Parameter | Specification |
| INCI Name | 4-Butylresorcinol |
| CAS Number | 1135-24-6 |
| Appearance | White to off-white solid |
| Recommended Usage | 0.1% – 2.0% |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble (melting point ≈ 50°C) |
| pH Stability | Stable within pH 4–8; neutral to slightly acidic pH is optimal for stability |
| Key Benefits | Brightening, antioxidant, post-acne mark fading |
| Suitable Formulations | Emulsions, facial oils, oil-based masks, etc. |
Is ZLEY® BRC Safe?
Yes. ZLEY® BRC is considered safe under normal, reasonable, and foreseeable conditions of use at the following maximum concentrations:
| Product Type | Maximum Safe Concentration |
| Facial toners | ≤ 0.65% |
| Emulsions / Lotions | ≤ 1.35% |
| Face creams | ≤ 2.35% |
| Body creams / lotions | ≤ 0.25% |
Formulation Notes & Important Precautions
| Consideration | Recommendation |
| Metal chelation | Tends to form chelates with iron and copper ions – EDTA disodium must be added as a chelating agent. |
| Antioxidant protection | Adding 0.05% sodium metabisulfite (antioxidant) enhances product stability. |
| Stabilization with pigments | Adding micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide further improves stability. |
| Colorant incompatibility | Incompatible with colorants such as carmine and acid red. |
| Light & air sensitivity | 4-Butylresorcinol is a phenolic compound that may discolor upon exposure to air and sunlight. Use light-protective packaging (opaque or amber) for both raw materials and finished products. |
Key Advantages of ZLEY® BRC
| Advantage | Description |
| Superior efficacy | Significantly outperforms Phenylethyl Resorcinol and Hexylresorcinol for brightening and spot correction. |
| Comprehensive safety | Full toxicology reports available – no phototoxicity, no irritation, no skin sensitization. |
| Dual mechanism | Inhibits tyrosinase activity, promotes tyrosinase degradation, and accelerates melanin turnover. |
Why Source ZLEY® BRC from ZLEY®?
With over 20 years of dedicated experience, ZLEY® has evolved into a modern enterprise integrating research, production, quality control, and sales. We are committed to providing the highest quality personal care raw materials, semi-finished products, and customized formulation solutions to meet diverse customer needs. Our global delivery network ensures reliable service to customers in over 60 countries.
ZLEY® BRC – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is EDTA disodium required in formulations with ZLEY® BRC?
A: 4-Butylresorcinol has a tendency to chelate (bind with) metal ions, particularly iron and copper. This chelation can lead to discoloration and reduced efficacy. EDTA disodium acts as a chelating agent that binds these metal ions preferentially, preventing them from interacting with the 4-Butylresorcinol and ensuring product stability and performance.
Q2: What are the optimal pH and solubility characteristics of ZLEY® BRC?
A: ZLEY® BRC is oil-soluble (melting point ≈ 50°C) and should be incorporated into the oil phase of formulations. It is stable within pH 4–8, with neutral to slightly acidic pH being optimal for long-term stability. Avoid highly alkaline conditions (pH > 8) as these may degrade the active.
Q3: Are there any colorants or ingredients that are incompatible with ZLEY® BRC?
A: Yes. ZLEY® BRC is incompatible with carmine and acid red colorants. If color is required in the final product, alternative colorants should be selected. Compatibility testing is always recommended when combining 4-Butylresorcinol with any new ingredients.
Q4: How can I request samples, technical documentation, and pricing?
Please contact our export team via email:
Email: [email protected]
When inquiring, please include your company details, intended product application, and target market so we can provide the most relevant information for your specific needs.
