Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol
Synthetic TRPV1 blocker for sensitive skin. In industry-run capsaicin tests, 0.4% reduced self-rated burning and stinging. Benefits in rosacea and redness were shown only for combination products
Evidence by route
Topical application
In industry-run capsaicin tests, 0.4% of this TRPV1 blocker immediately reduced self-rated burning and stinging. Effects in rosacea, redness and perioral dermatitis were shown only for finished products that combine it with licochalcone A or other ingredients. Most of these studies were open, without a control group
- Kueper T et al. Inhibition of TRPV1 for the treatment of sensitive skin. Exp Dermatol. 2010;19(11):980-6. PMID 20626462
- Sulzberger M et al. Effective treatment for sensitive skin: 4-t-butylcyclohexanol and licochalcone A. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30 Suppl 1:9-17. PMID 26805417
- Schoelermann AM et al. Comparison of skin calming effects of cosmetic products containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol or acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester on capsaicin-induced facial stinging in volunteers with sensitive skin. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30 Suppl 1:18-20. PMID 26805418
- Boonchai W et al. Randomized investigator-blinded comparative study of moisturizer containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol and licochalcone A versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in facial dermatitis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(6):1130-1135. PMID 29411520
- Schoelermann AM et al. Skin compatibility and efficacy of a cosmetic skin care regimen with licochalcone A and 4-t-butylcyclohexanol in patients with rosacea subtype I. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30 Suppl 1:21-7. PMID 26805419
- Jovanovic Z et al. Efficacy and Tolerability of a Cosmetic Skin Care Product With Trans-4-t-butylcyclohexanol and Licochalcone A in Subjects With Sensitive Skin Prone to Redness and Rosacea. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):605-610. PMID 28686779
- Ortiz Brugués A et al. Clinical studies in Chinese subjects investigating the tolerance and soothing efficacy of a cream and balm containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol on the sensitivity of facial skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2023;45(1):29-37. PMID 36214607
- Srour J et al. Efficacy of a skin care cream with TRPV1 inhibitor 4-t-butylcyclohexanol in the topical therapy of perioral dermatitis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(6):1409-1414. PMID 31660683
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- The only study that reports the dose used 0.4% in an oil-in-water emulsion (Kueper 2010). Other clinical studies do not state the concentration in their abstracts
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Trans-4-tert-butylcyclohexanol is a synthetic compound added to products for sensitive skin. In cell experiments it blocks TRPV1, the receptor through which capsaicin causes burning, with an IC50 of 34 µM (Kueper 2010). There are no human data on heat sensitivity. It is used in creams and balms for sensitive and redness-prone skin, often together with licochalcone A. In 30 women tested with a capsaicin emulsion, burning was significantly weaker with 0.4% of the compound (P<0.0001, Kueper 2010). In two randomized single-blind studies, a formula containing it relieved stinging and burning right after application (Sulzberger 2016). Participants rated their own sensations. The raw-material supplier or product manufacturers ran all these studies. For rosacea, redness and perioral dermatitis, only finished products were tested. They combined it with licochalcone A or other ingredients. Most of these studies were open, without a control group (Schoelermann 2016, Jovanovic 2017, Srour 2020). In an RCT of 80 patients with facial dermatitis, such a moisturizer worked more slowly than 0.02% triamcinolone but gave better hydration (Boonchai 2018). Tolerability was good in these studies, one of which had 1221 participants. Independent data on skin sensitization are lacking. There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol for?
Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic TRPV1 blocker for sensitive skin.
What's the INCI name for Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol?
The INCI name is Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol. It may also appear as: 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, 4-tButylcyclohexanol, SymSitive.
What concentration of Trans-4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol is effective?
The only study that reports the dose used 0.4% in an oil-in-water emulsion (Kueper 2010). Other clinical studies do not state the concentration in their abstracts
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