Phytic Acid

INCI: Phytic Acid

Also known as: Inositol Hexaphosphate, IP6

BrighteningbrighteningbotanicalEmerging evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

1/5

Best applied

Effective range

0.5%–2%

How It Works

A natural antioxidant from rice bran that chelates metal ions involved in melanin synthesis and oxidative damage.

Chelates iron and copper, deactivating tyrosinase and stopping the Fenton reaction that drives oxidative damage. Also a mild surface exfoliant.

pH Range

3.0–5.5

Benefits

Brightens
Antioxidant
Gentle exfoliation
Chelates pro-oxidant metals

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

HyperpigmentationDullness

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

3/10

Apply early in routine, toner/essence step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–2%

Seasonal Use

Year-round; can substitute for harsher AHAs in summer.

Nutrition Connection

Rice bran, legumes, nuts, seeds.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Often featured in 'rice serum' formulations for K-beauty brightening.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Phytic Acid.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Vitamin C showed comparable efficacy to hydroquinone for melasma treatment.

Espinal-Perez LE, Moncada B, Castanedo-Cazares JP
International Journal of Dermatology, 2004

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 35%.

Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

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Randomized Controlled Trial

Azelaic acid comparable to hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation with superior safety across all Fitzpatrick types.

Balina LM, Graupe K
International Journal of Dermatology, 1991

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Systematic Review

Oral collagen peptides at 2.5-10g daily significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth after 8-12 weeks across 11 RCTs.

Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovska NA
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Vitamin CNiacinamide Alpha Arbutin

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility