a small plant-derived chromone that combines strong antioxidant/photoprotective power with retinol-like collagen-stimulation, hyaluronic-acid boosting, barrier-strengthening and anti-inflammatory (PDE-4-inhibitory) activity
2-Methyl-5,7-dihydroxychromone (also marketed as Dihydroxy Methylchromone, DMC or Noreugenin) is a small plant-derived chromone that combines strong antioxidant/photoprotective power with retinol-like collagen-stimulation, hyaluronic-acid boosting, barrier-strengthening and anti-inflammatory (PDE-4-inhibitory) activity. At 0.05–0.2 % it improves wrinkles, pigmentation and skin firmness with far less irritation than retinol and additionally speeds epidermal repair, making it useful in anti-age, sensitive-skin and post-procedure formulas.
1. Chemical identity & occurrence
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INCI: Dihydroxy Methylchromone
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Synonyms: 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-methylchromone, Noreugenin
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Found in rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum), Aloe barbadensis leaf skin and Acalypha fruticosa; occurs as free aglycone or 5-O-β-d-glucoside. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. Mechanisms of action on skin
2.1 Antioxidant & photoprotection
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Scavenges DPPH and superoxide radicals more efficiently than Trolox in both in-vitro and ex-vivo human-skin models. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Protects keratinocyte DNA/proteins from UV-induced oxidative damage and maintains endogenous antioxidant-enzyme activities. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2.2 Dermal ECM renewal (anti-age)
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Up-regulates type-I collagen gene expression in dermal fibroblasts and synergises with 0.04 % retinol; an 8-week placebo-controlled study on 52 women showed significant wrinkle depth (–22 %), tone unevenness (–16 %) and overall photo-damage (–19 %) improvements that persisted 4 weeks after cessation. scirp.org
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Ex-vivo skin and in-vitro keratinocyte assays confirm stimulation of hyaluronic-acid synthase 2, leading to +25 % epidermal HA within 24 h. surface-portal.merckgroup.comresearchgate.net
2.3 Barrier reinforcement & “retinol-like” benefits without irritation
2.4 Anti-inflammatory/PDE-4 inhibition
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The chromone nucleus exhibits cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibition (IC₅₀ 2–9 µM in cell-free assays), lowering IL-1β, TNF-α and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated macrophages—useful for atopic or reactive skin. myrevea.comcandactcftr.ams.med.uni-goettingen.de
2.5 Wound-healing & cytoprotection
| Parameter |
Recommendation |
Rationale |
| Suggested dose |
0.05 – 0.2 % |
Clinical efficacy at 0.1 % with good tolerance (scirp.org) |
| Solubility |
Sparingly soluble in water |
Prevents crystallisation, easy cold-process. (cosmetics.specialchem.com) |
| pH range |
3 – 8 stable; photostable up to 3 MED UVB. |
Suitable for acids or neutral creams. (cosmetics.specialchem.com) |
| Compatible actives |
Retinol, niacinamide, peptides, UVA/UVB filters. |
Synergy (collagen, pigment). (scirp.org) |
| Processing |
Add during cool-down (< 40 °C) or in water-glycerin phase. |
Preserves phenolic integrity. |
4. Example prototype – “Barrier-Renew Collagen Serum”
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Phase A (40 °C): Water q.s. 100 g, 3 % propanediol, 0.2 % Dihydroxy Methylchromone (sorbitol solution as 95% sorbitol 5% Dihydroxy Methylchromone), 0.1 % sodium hyaluronate, 0.5 % panthenol.
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Phase B: 4 % C12-15 alkyl benzoate, 2 % squalane, 0.5 % dimethicone 2 cSt, 1 % glyceryl stearate citrate, 0.3 % tocopherol. Heat 70 °C → homogenise → cool to < 40 °C → add Phase A → adjust pH 5.5.
Delivers antioxidant shield, boosts collagen/HA and reinforces barrier without retinoid irritation.
Usage: For anti-aging products.
Mixing method: Mix/disperse in water (water-phase), avoid heat exceeding 40 degrees.
Usage rate: 0.05-0.2%
Product characteristics: White/beige powder.
Solubility: Dispersible in water.
Storage: Can be stored in a cool place (refrigerated recommended). Close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight, air or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.
INCI Name: Dihydroxy Methylchromone
