Gallic acid
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Written by: Dr. Leslie Baumann
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Gallic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in various plants, including gallnuts, sumac, witch hazel, tea leaves, oak bark, and other plants. Diglucosyl gallic acid (DGA) is a biotechnologically modified form of gallic acid designed to be activated by the skin's microbiome. These compounds have been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic formulations. They are often found in skin lightening or antiaging serums and creams. These gallic acid compounds are known for potent antioxidant properties, which help in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Additionally, gallic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is used to decrease dark spots from acne or melasma and to soothe sensitive skin.
As a Thank you for reading our educational content, we'd like to offer you 20% off your next purchase! At checkout, use the code STSBlog20 for an instant discount!
[[ctaquiz]]
Stability: DGA is more stable and effective topically than gallic acid
Microbiome Activation: Unlike gallic acid, DGA is activated by the skin's microbiome, converting into a potent tyrosinase inhibitor that lightens dark spots.
Good for Sensitive Skin: Soothing and calming properties
Melasma: Can be used in both treatment and maintenance regimens
Many top selling skin care brands are beginning to add gallic acid or diglucosyl gallic acid because of its effectiveness and tolerability. Here are some of my recommendations for products with DGA:
Gallic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in various plants, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It protects the skin from free radicals, reduces inflammation, and helps combat microbial infections. However, while it is stable, it is susceptible to environmental factors and can degrade more quickly, potentially reducing its efficacy over time.
In skin care products, the derivative diglucosyl gallic acid may be used instead. Diglucosyl Gallic Acid is a biotechnologically created molecule in which gallic acid is linked with glucose molecules. This enhances its stability, making it more suitable for use in antiaging and skin lightening serums and creams. Diglucosyl gallic acid can inhibit tyrosinase after activation by the skin microbiome. This targeted activation allows a gradual activation process, which minimizes potential irritation and enhances tolerance. This is why this is a popular ingredient for skin lightening in sensitive skin types prone to reactivity.
Diglucosyl Gallic Acid (DGA) is the INCI name of a biotechnologically created molecule known for its skin-brightening, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties. It is also referred to by the it's other name Trihydroxy Benzoic Acid Alpha-Glucoside. This novel ingredient is activated by the skin's microbiome, making it a unique addition to cosmetic formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and inflammation.
This is an ingredient that is gaining popularity because of it's benefits. The benefits of DGA for skin include:
These soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients can be used to treat hyperpigmentation in sensitive skin types that may not be able to tolerate more irritating ingredients like hydroquinone.
Once applied to the skin, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid is partially converted by the skin microbiome into Trihydroxy Benzoic Acid. This conversion process results in two molecules that work synergistically:
Together, these molecules help control skin pigmentation by reducing melanin content, decreasing free radical generation, and modulating skin color to improve brightness and reduce redness, yellowness, and brownness.
This is a good ingredient to use in your Melasma Maintenance Routine because it helps prevent inflammation and is only a mild tyrosinase inhibitor so it can be used in a tyrosinase inhibitor holiday.
This is a good ingredient in acne products if you have a skin type that develops dark spots from acne. This ingredient is noncomedogenic, sooths the redness of pimples, and helps lighten acne dark spots.
Both gallic acid and diglucosyl gallic acid are safe ingredients. They are rated a 1 by the EWG which is it's safest rating. They can be used topically while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. This is why this ingredient is a popular melasma treatment to use during pregnancy.
[[ctaquiz]]
Dr. Leslie Baumann MD, FAAD
No these do not block tyrosinase, While not a direct tyrosinase inhibitor, gallic acid can reduce melanogenesis (the production of melanin) by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can stimulate melanin production.
Yes these do not share any chemical similarity to hydroquinone and can be used if you are allergic to hydroquinone
Yes, this is a good ingredient to use in a Maintenance Regimen for Melasma.
Although no safety studies have been done in pregnant women, when used topically, they are considered safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They can help prevent melasma of pregnancy.
Free Shipping
Skincare Library
Subscribe & Save
Rewards
[
{
"affiliateCode": "BSWD115",
"locationType": "Primary",
"accountName": "Jonathan Richey, DO, MHA",
"practiceName": "Baylor Scott & White Dermatology Specialists",
"street": "5236 W University Drive #2200",
"city": "McKinney",
"state": "TX",
"zip": 75071,
"phone": "(469) 800-5325",
"website": "dermmckinney.com",
"bookingLink": "https://www.bswhealth.com/locations/dermatology-specialists",
"email": "jonathan.richey@gmail.com",
"practicelabel": "McKinney, TX",
"skinType": "",
"mdName": "Jonathan Richey, DO, MHA",
"mdTitle": "STS Approved Doctor",
"practiceDesc": "Whether your dermatology concern is health-related or cosmetic, Dr. Jonathan Richey and his team of dermatology fellowship trained physician assistants recognize the importance of healthy skin, hair and nails, and pride themselves on providing high-quality dermatology care in North Texas.",
"practiceBio": "- Vision: Our patients and staff are raving fans who readily share their experience here with others.\n\n- Mission: We provide excellent, compassionate, medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatological care, in a nurturing environment.\n\n- Core Values: Our core values support our vision, mission and shape our culture. These are the essence of our identify and the rules we live by. These guide us in each and every decision we make and action we take with ourselves, with others, and our organization. COMPASSIONATE, LEARNED, HONESTY, LOYALTY, RESOURCEFUL",
"aboutMd": "Dr. Jonathan D. Richey offers state of the art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments for the skin hair, nails and veins. His degrees in medicine and health care administration demonstrates his exceptional commitment to the latest science and delivery of health care. \n\nDr. Richey is a strong proponent of scientifically determined skin typing. He is also an advocate for using technology to help providers deliver health care and correctly educate his patients and the community. He is particularly grateful for the many scientists and companies who work to develop and produce personalized products for exceptional skin and overall health.\n\nHe loves spending time with his wife and two daughters as well as landscaping and music. He is fluent in Spanish.",
"aboutSTS": "Following influencers, friends, fashions or fads is a poor way to care for your skin. Your skin type deserves a successful, scientifically determined regimen for the lifetime of your skin. This is found through Skin Type Solutions!\n\n-Dr. Jonathan D. Richey, DO, MHA"
},
{
"affiliateCode": "BSWD116",
"locationType": "Secondary",
"accountName": "Jonathan Richey, DO, MHA",
"practiceName": "Baylor Scott & White Dermatology Specialists",
"street": "821 N Coleman St, #100",
"city": "Prosper",
"state": "TX",
"zip": 75078,
"phone": "(469) 800-5325",
"website": "dermmckinney.com",
"bookingLink": "https://www.bswhealth.com/locations/dermatology-specialists",
"email": "jonathan.richey@gmail.com",
"practicelabel": "Prosper, TX",
"skinType": "",
"mdName": "Jonathan Richey, DO, MHA",
"mdTitle": "STS Approved Doctor",
"practiceDesc": "",
"practiceBio": "",
"aboutMd": "",
"aboutSTS": ""
}
]