ZLEY®UP – Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine (CAS 175357-18-3):
The “Spot Disposal Expert”
ZLEY®UP (INCI: Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine), also known as Sepiwhite, is a premium skin-brightening agent used in high‑end brightening and spot‑correcting products such as SK-II and OLAY.
As a structural analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine competitively binds to MC1-R receptors on melanocytes, effectively blocking the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. This action reduces the expression of key melanogenic enzymes and directly inhibits tyrosinase activity, thereby significantly decreasing melanin production for visible brightening and spot-fading results.
ZLEY® is a professional supplier of Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine (CAS 175357-18-3), providing stable quality, technical support, and global delivery covering over 60 countries.
ZLEY®UP Product Information
| Parameter | Specification |
| INCI Name | Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine |
| CAS Number | 175357-18-3 |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder, characteristic odor |
| Recommended Usage | 0.1 – 2.0% |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble |
| Processing | Add directly to the oil phase with heating to dissolve |
| Key Benefit | Brightening & spot correction |
| Mechanism | α-MSH antagonist; competitively binds to MC1-R; inhibits cAMP/PKA melanogenic signaling pathway |
Is ZLEY®UP Safe?
Yes. ZLEY®UP is considered safe for cosmetic use under normal, reasonable, and foreseeable conditions at concentrations up to 2.0% in both leave-on and rinse-off products (for rinse-off, the same limit applies by referencing leave-on usage data).
Product Applications
In cosmetics and skincare, ZLEY®UP functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent. Its lipid-amino acid structure provides excellent skin affinity, making it suitable for sensitive skin in brightening, spot-correcting, and antioxidant formulations, as well as compound liposome development. It has become a benchmark ingredient in efficacy-driven skincare. By combining it with niacinamide, adenosine, and other actives, formulators can build full-pathway brightening systems that deliver both safety and high performance, continuously empowering brands.
Why Source ZLEY®UP from ZLEY®?
With over 20 years of dedicated experience, ZLEY® has evolved into a modern enterprise integrating R&D, 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.
Email: [email protected]
What Technical Support Can You Expect?
As a specialized supplier, ZLEY® offers value beyond the product itself:
- Formulation Support: Basic formulation recommendations, combination suggestions, and processing guidance
- Regulatory Consulting: Assistance with interpreting compliance requirements for target markets
- Quality Assurance: Consistent product quality, competitive pricing, and reliable global logistics
- Market Intelligence: Latest market trends and ingredient application insights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How does ZLEY®UP work for brightening and spot correction?
A: ZLEY®UP is a structural analog of α-MSH. It competitively binds to MC1-R receptors on melanocytes, blocking the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and reducing the production of melanogenic enzymes. It also directly inhibits tyrosinase activity, providing a dual-action approach to reducing melanin and fading dark spots.
Q2: Is ZLEY®UP suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Yes. Its lipid-amino acid structure gives it excellent skin affinity and mildness, making it highly suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Q3: What is the recommended usage level?
A: The recommended usage range is 0.1%–2.0%. Safety assessments confirm it is safe up to 2.0% in leave-on products.
Q4: Can ZLEY®UP be combined with other brightening ingredients?
A: Yes. It shows strong synergy with niacinamide, adenosine, phenylethyl resorcinol, tranexamic acid, and other brightening actives to build comprehensive, full-pathway brightening systems.