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.

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. 

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.

Thiamidol's most outstanding ability is its strong inhibition of tyrosinase activity.

This study shows that Thiamidol has an inhibition rate on human tyrosinase that is 119 times higher than 377, 455 times higher than quercetin, and over 3000 times higher than hydroquinone and arbutin. Research using the MelanoDerm Skin Model Q has shown that its ability to inhibit pigmentation is 15 times that of 4-butylresorcinol and 18 times that of hydroquinone.

Thiamidol still excels in treating age spots. In clinical studies of senile plaques, a product using 0.2% Thiamidol was used twice a day and showed significant improvement after 12 weeks.

The whitening effect is superior to the common whitening drug hydroquinone, and there is no cytotoxicity or safety issue of hydroquinone (killing melanocytes, inducing carcinogenicity, etc.)

Thiamidol's design does not target mushroom tyrosinase, but rather human tyrosinase. So, it can precisely match tyrosinase, thereby producing competitive inhibition; It can strongly inhibit the activity of human tyrosinase, and the inhibitory effect far exceeds traditional whitening ingredients such as hydroquinone and quercetin.

Clinical trials have shown that it can effectively improve various pigmentation problems, such as melasma, age spots, depigmentation after inflammation, etc. Its effect is superior to common depigmentation drugs such as hydroquinone. Peptide Amherst has no cytotoxic effects and is safer. Overall, Panadol exhibits better whitening, spot lightening, and anti pigmentation effects by precisely inhibiting human tyrosinase activity, making it the most potent whitening active ingredient currently recognized.

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.

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 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.

Trying to find the best skin lighters for your skin type?

Let me help!     whatsApp +8618291857498