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Moumoujus

PERILLYL ALCOHOL.

Valuable CAS 536-59-4 / ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT, FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SKIN PROTECTING

Perillyl alcohol is a naturally occurring monoterpene known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive properties. Research suggests it can reduce skin inflammation, prevent and repair UV-induced damage, and inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, making it a valuable candidate for targeted skincare formulations.

Summary

Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Skin protectant Keratinocyte proliferation inhibitor DNA damage repair

Science

Mechanism of Action

Perillyl alcohol (POH) acts on the skin by modulating key inflammatory pathways, specifically NF-κB and STAT3, to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation and reduce inflammation. It decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12/23, TNF-α, and IL-1β, while restoring endogenous antioxidants like glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Nrf2. Additionally, POH contributes to DNA damage repair, suppresses inflammatory protein expression (e.g., COX-2, iNOS), and may stimulate dermal stem cell activity to repair UVR-induced skin damage.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.3% w/w–0.76% w/w%
Optimal

0.76% w/w

Key findings

  1. 01 In a Phase 2a clinical trial, topical application resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of nuclei deviating from normal in sun-damaged skin. A Phase 1 study indicated it was well tolerated with no serious cutaneous or systemic toxicities.
  2. 02 A Phase 2a clinical trial observed a borderline reduction in the histopathologic score of sun-damaged skin.
  3. 03 In a mouse model, it reduced epidermal hyperplasia and attenuated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation.
  4. 04 Topical application in a mouse model prevented and repaired UVR-induced skin damage.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Perillyl alcohol degrades when exposed to acidic conditions. However, a hydrophilic topical cream formulation demonstrated physical and chemical stability for one year when stored at 4°C and 25°C.

Conflicts

  • acidic conditions

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Perillyl alcohol is generally considered non-toxic in preclinical models. In human clinical trials, a 0.76% w/w topical cream was well tolerated with no serious adverse effects. However, 32% of participants reported mild, reversible adverse events such as 1-2 small papules. The Safety Data Sheet for the raw ingredient indicates it 'causes skin irritation' and 'causes serious eye irritation.' It is currently an investigational drug, not approved for marketing in skincare by the FDA, and is being studied for conditions like sun-damaged skin.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Perillyl alcohol is a valuable ingredient with promising clinical data for addressing sun-damaged skin and inflammation, though its status as an investigational drug and potential for mild irritation necessitate careful formulation and user consideration.

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