Thiamidol in Skin Care
What is Thiamidol?
Thiamidol (Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol) is an up and coming skin lightening ingredient with potent tyrosinase inhibiting properties.
It is considered to be as powerful or more than hydroquinone, and as of today, no safety concerns have been identified.
This skin lightening ingredient has been making waves in the industry, though it is currently understudied and patented by a single brand.
This ingredient is synthetic, it is not derived directly from any plants or animals. It is made in a lab.
So far, all indications are positive that thiamidol is a safe, effective tyrosinase inhibitor for most skin types.
To find out if this ingredient would fit well in your custom skin care regimen, take our quiz and find your Baumann Skin Type!
How Does Thiamidol Work?
Thiamidol is a Tyrosinase Inhibitor.
This ingredient is very new, so there is no definitive answer on how exactly it interacts with the skin long term. That being said, we can still take note of what the compound is made of.
In our diagram above, notice the hexagon segment on the left of the structure with two legs labeled “HO” and “OH.” That structure is a resorcinol. Resorcinol is a very common tyrosinase inhibitor.
There are two other main components of the structure: the pentagon shaped structure is called a thiazole. Thiazoles are a family of compounds that demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. (6,7)
The structure to the right of that is called an amide and since it has 4 non-linear carbons it is isobutylamide.
“Amides” can be understood as a category of compounds that are required for the formation of proteins. Amides play a role in binding and forming amino acids, which are important for developing collagen, repairing the skin barrier, and more. (5)
It is important to note that even though all of these compounds are present in thiamidol, current research has only tested its efficacy as a skin lightener. There is not significant evidence to suggest that this ingredient is a notable anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, or antimicrobial compound.
benefits of thiamidol
Benefits of Thiamidol
Current research suggests that Thiamidol might be a very good skin lightening ingredient. Studies have found it more effective than hydroquinone on some patients.(3)
As a tyrosinase inhibitor, thiamidol is able to help prevent hyperpigmentation before it begins.
Tyrosinase inhibitors stop the conversion of tyrosine into melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
Some studies claim that Thiamidol is effective at preventing UVB induced changes in pigmentation. (4) This could support its use in some sunscreens.
To find out if Thiamidol is right for your skin care routine, get your recommended regimen through our quiz and see if you need a skin lightener.
Thiamidol side-effects
Side-effects
Some patients in research and the consumer market have experienced mild contact dermatitis from thiamidol.
Otherwise, current studies have not found any notable side-effects associated with thiamidol use.
However, because it is a potent skin lightener, it could be expected that applying this ingredient on spots it isn’t needed can result in some slight skin bleaching.
Is Thiamidol Safe?
As of this blog, no comprehensive safety analyses on thiamidol have been conducted by either the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel (CIR) or the Environmental Working Group (EWG), or by any major independent organization.
That being said, some small studies have found general tolerance and safety to thiamidol. (3,9)
If you are concerned about safety, it frankly might be worth waiting for more research before choosing products with thiamidol even though there are currently no contraindications for its use.
Thiamidol for skin lightening
Thiamidol for Skin Lightening
Thiamidol is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor which has successfully undergone studies for PIH, post-acne hyperpigmentation, and Melasma treatments. (3,8)
Thiamidol is increasing in popularity because it has so much potential as a skin lightener. In addition, studies have found that thiamidol is effective for protecting the skin from UVB radiation based pigment changes. (4)
Because no significant stinging or irritation is commonly associated with thiamidol, it can be a great choice for sensitive skin types who need a tyrosinase inhibitor.
PIH, (Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), has also been shown to improve in Thiamidol trials. (3,8)
Thiamidol for Melasma
Thiamidol is extremely promising as an ingredient in melasma treatment products.
Studies have found that Thiamidol can be just as effective as many of the most popular tyrosinase inhibitors, such as hydroquinone in treating melasma. (8,9)
If you have melasma, thiamidol could be a good ingredient for you depending on your skin type.
Thiamidol vs hydroquinone
Thiamidol Vs Hydroquinone
Thiamidol is exciting because it might be the replacement for hydroquinone that cosmetics companies have been waiting for. Thiamidol is just as, if not more potent than hydroquinone at inhibiting tyrosinase.
At the same time, it has demonstrated far fewer causes for safety concerns. Thiamidol does not seem to absorb into the body as much as hydroquinone, and has not indicated carcinogenesis.(3)
Overall, thiamidol could be seen as the newer, better, safer version of hydroquinone. Whether it has any additional characteristics has yet to be observed in research. As more research comes out on this fascinating ingredient, we will be sure to update this blog so you have nothing but the most up-to-date information on skin health.
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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
