Whiter, Brighter Skin … Naturally

Hydroquinone was at one time the go-to cosmeceutical ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation; however, Vispi Kanga, writing the first in a series of articles on the topic of skin lightening for SpecialChem4Cosmetics, noted the banning of the ingredient from the OTC market has prompted the development of a new range of natural ingredients that work to either absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays or reducing the production of melanin.

One hot alternative is arbutin, a glycoside of hydroquinone; high levels of this compound are found in bearberry extract, which has been used in Asia as a safe skin whitening agent for external use. Both arbutin and its epimer, alpha-arbutin, work by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Additional options include azelaic acid, derived from yeast, and kojic acid from fungus, both of which are often found in combinations with other lighteners and alpha hydroxyl acids to bolster the skin brightening effect.

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