Mequinol powder

Mequinol powder, chemically known as 4-methoxyphenol, is a phenolic ether derivative structurally related to hydroquinone and is recognized in cosmetic and dermatological science as a depigmenting active ingredient used in the management of hyperpigmentation disorders. It is identified by the molecular formula C₇H₈O₂ and a molecular weight of 124.14 g/mol, and it belongs to the class of substituted phenols. In its raw material form, Mequinol appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a faint phenolic odor. It is slightly soluble in water but demonstrates greater solubility in alcohols, glycols, and other organic solvents commonly used in topical cosmetic formulations. The compound is sensitive to oxidation and light exposure, requiring stabilization and protective packaging to maintain its chemical integrity and efficacy.

From a functional perspective, Mequinol acts primarily as a melanin synthesis inhibitor. It exerts its depigmenting activity through competitive interaction with the enzyme tyrosinase, which is essential in the biochemical pathway of melanogenesis. By serving as a substrate analog within this enzymatic process, Mequinol interferes with the oxidation of tyrosine and the subsequent formation of melanin pigments, thereby reducing excessive pigment production in hyperactive melanocytes. This controlled modulation of melanocyte activity contributes to the gradual lightening of hyperpigmented lesions and promotes a more uniform skin tone.

In professional cosmetic and dermatological applications, Mequinol powder is incorporated into regulated topical formulations intended for the treatment of conditions such as solar lentigines, melasma, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Due to its biologically active nature, its use is often concentration-controlled and subject to regulatory oversight depending on regional cosmetic and pharmaceutical guidelines. When properly formulated and used under appropriate supervision, Mequinol serves as an effective pigment-modulating agent within advanced dermocosmetic systems, combining targeted melanogenesis inhibition with clinically observable skin tone improvement.