Skin Whitening & Brightening

Skin colour, which is dependent on the type and amount of Melanin present along with the number of active Melanocytes, is an important attribute of beauty. Asian cultures associate lighter and even complexion with higher social status compared to Western cultures, for whom a tanned complexion is associated with a healthy glow. Demand for skin lightening products that achieve a fairer and lighter complexion is on the increase, but they are also an excellent tool to fight age- related hypergimentation (age spots).

Exposure to the sun accelerates the production of Melanin and results in the skin becoming darker. In skin lightening/ brightening products it is therefore essential to incorporate an SPF >15, a good exfoliator and skin lightening/brightening actives.

There are a number of active substances for lightening the skin in the Cosmetics market and each has a different functional mechanism. Generally, they inhibit the activity of the Tyrosinase enzyme. A number of skin lighteners such as Arbutin, Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid can have a damaging effect on the skin. Therefore, natural preparations for skin lightening are now preferred for modern day cosmetic products.