murphyTheophylline
AKA: 58-55-9, 1, 3-Dimethylxanthine, Elixophyllin, Theolair, Nuelin, Theophylline anhydrous, Elixophylline, Lanophyllin
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from the xanthine alkaloid chemical family, related to caffeine and found naturally in tea and coffee plants. Synthesized through methylation of xanthine or via heterocyclic organic chemistry from uracil and ammonia-based precursors.
1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-
Solubility 1 to 5 mg/mL at 70.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C7H8N4O2
Mol. Weight
180.16
CAS #
58-55-9
Form
Powder
State
Theophylline is an odorless white crystalline powder. Odorless. Bitter taste. (NTP, 1992)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Tonic
Brightens uneven skin tone
Locks in moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 773)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions minimal (CIR 773)
Dermal Absorption 2.8–33.4%
2 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 773)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · report published 2024
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR