Skin Whitening Products Report
Skin Whitening Products Report
Skin Whitening Products Report
B Y: S O P H I A M A R I E D A PA R
INTRODUCTION
Since times immemorial fair skin is associated with lineage of nobility, aristocracy and
wealth. Regardless of this idiosyncrasy, majority of the people have a penchant to
possess an even, unblemished skin tone.
So man has made attempts to artificially color, bleach and in other ways alter the normal
appearance of his skin.
This need is fulfilled by the cosmetic industry with a huge plethora of products specially
offering skin lightening and bleaching properties. These products contain special active
ingredients which lightens skin, thus giving an enhanced whiter appearance.
INTRODUCTION
Skin lightening creams – are also known as
bleaching creams, skin whiteners, skin
brighteners or fading creams.
These work by reducing a pigment called
“melanin” in the skin.
Most people who use lighteners do so to treat
skin problems such as freckles, age spots,
acne scars, discoloration related to
hormones or lighten skin tone.
HOW DO THESE
CREAMS BRIG ABOUT
SKIN LIGHTENING?
THE SKIN
the DNA. Individuals, who are exposed to UV light, will produce more melanin for protection.
Genetic makeup: Different ethnicities and cultures are genetically pre-disposed to producing particular shades
and amounts of melanin due to inheritance. This is, essentially, one of the primary indicators used in determining
Size of melanocytes: Melanocyte size varies in different individuals and may lead to a difference in the amount
Disease conditions: Several diseases may affect melanin production, including albinism, a genetic inability to
High concentration not used due to various side effects Hydroquinone is highly reactive
and potent melanocyte cytotoxic and mutagenic compound, therefore not authorized in
cosmetics anymore.
Mono benzyl ether Hydroquinone(MBEH)
MBEH causes depigmentation by eclectic melanocytic destruction through free radical
formation and competitive inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme system. However unlike its parent
compound HQ, MBEH almost causes irreversible pigmentation of skin and hence should be
used only in treatment of severe vitiligo.
Arbutin (hydroquinone-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside)
It is one of the naturally occurring glucopyranoside found in cranberry and blueberry leaves. It causes decreased
tyrosinase activity and is known to inhibit melanosome maturation. It is nontoxic to melanocytes and is used in
variety of pigments in concentration less than 3%.
Kojic acid (5-hydoxy-4-pyran-4-one-2-methyl)
Kojic acid, is another popular antibiotic skin whitening substance produced in an aerobic process by a variety of
micro-organisms, usually derived from species such as aspergillus and penicillium, is a well-known skin
lightening agent which inhibits tyrosinase activity thereby reducing melanin production. Copper ions are an
essential metal of the active tyrosinase site of melanin synthesis. It functions by chelating Copper at the active
site of tyrosinase enzyme. It also acts as a free radical scavenger However, it is reported to have high
sensitizing potential but is useful to patients who cannot tolerate HQ, and can be combined with topical
corticoid to reduce skin irritation.
Ascorbic acid and its derivatives Vitamin C in the ascorbyl form has been studied by various reporters and is reported to inhibit the
production of melanin.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane (Saccharum) and it may have two skin lightening effects. At low
concentrations, it results in a rapid desquamation of pigmented keratinocytes. At higher concentrations, glycolic acid results in
epidermolysis. At concentrations of 3%–7%, they can increase the penetration of other topical skin lighteners such as hydroqu17inone.
Tretinoin (retinoic acid/ Vitamin A)
• Tretanoin by itself acts as a weak depigmenting agent and is known to show synergistic effect by increasing the depigmenting of
hydroquionone and its derivative.
Mercury
It is one of the earliest used skin bleach products, however due to its toxicity it is banned in many countries.
Mushroom
Matsutake (Trichloma matsutuke) mushroom, the Korean Pine mushroom, is popularly known as Song-Yi mushroom is traditionally used
as a decoction, dipped overnight in water and used as a facial wash to remove summer sun tanned facial spots and for lightening of
facial wrinkles. Song-Yi mushroom liquid concentrate is said to possess better whitening power that Kojic acid and is non-irritating and
stable in most skin whitening formulations. Song-Yi also provides a physical UV blocking effect preventing melanin re-oxidation and
subsequent re- darkening of the skin that can occur in case of hydroquinone or kojic acid usage.
It chelates copper thereby inhibiting oxidation reaction slowing down the enzyme activity. Gluconic acid along with other actives
effectively inhibit melanogenesis to prevent skin discoloration and improve skin complexion.
OTHER COMMONLY USED HOME MADE INGREDIENTS
G ree n t ea e xt r act s P apa ya Ju i ce L emo n Ju ice