Common Name(s): Purpurogallin,purpurogallin,pyrogallol oxidation product,potent anti-aging antioxidant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides potent antioxidant protection from the extended conjugated chromophore's radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory activity from dual 5-lox and cox pathway inhibition, and mild brightening from tyrosinase inhibition โ triple mechanism from one natural polyphenol.
Why It's Used: Purpurogallin's bicyclic benzotropone provides a uniquely extended radical-scavenging chromophore โ the seven-membered tropone ring fused with the benzene ring creating an aromatic system with exceptional electron delocalisation for radical neutralisation.
How It Works: Purpurogallin (1,2,3,5-benzoenetetrol fused 7-membered ring) provides: antioxidant (dpph ic50 ~0.5 ฮผm vs trolox 6 ฮผm โ >10ร more potent); 5-lox inhibition (ic50 ~5 ฮผm, blocking leukotriene ltb4 synthesis); cox-1/cox-2 inhibition; tyrosinase competitive inhibition at the catechol substrate binding site.
Typically Found In: Premium antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,brightening
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Purpurogallin's potency exceeds standard reference antioxidants by >10ร on a molar basis โ the benzotropone ring system's extended conjugation providing superior radical stabilisation compared to simple polyphenols with non-fused ring systems.
Last Verified: Cosing database,purpurogallin benzotropone potent antioxidant anti-inflammatory review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22