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Skin lightening

Skin lightening – An even complexion as the key to youthful skin

Skin lightening is a central component of modern anti-aging concepts. The aim of corresponding care products is to harmonize the overall skin tone, even out pigmentation irregularities, and visibly lighten existing hyperpigmentation. At the same time, they have a preventive effect by counteracting the formation of new pigment spots.

In Asian markets, so-called whitening, brightening, or lightening products have been firmly established for decades. However, the topic is also becoming increasingly important for light Central European skin types, as an even complexion is perceived as a sign of youthfulness, freshness, and skin health.

 

 

How does pigmentation develop in the skin?

The main cause of uneven skin pigmentation is UV radiation. As a protective reaction, the skin responds by increasing melanin production.

This leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species in the keratinocytes. These release inflammatory mediators and the melanocyte-stimulating hormone α-MSH. α-MSH regulates several steps of pigmentation:

  • Activation of melanin synthesis
  • Proliferation of melanocytes
  • Distribution of pigments in the epidermis

Binding to its receptor triggers the expression of the tyrosinase gene. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in melanin formation. The pigment is produced in the melanosomes of the melanocytes, then transferred to keratinocytes, where it forms a protective layer around the cell nuclei—visible as tanning.

Skin lightening products target different stages of this complex process to regulate pigment formation, reduce existing spots, and even out the complexion.

 

 

A proven trio for skin lightening

Bearberry, vitamin C, and glutathione

The leaves of the bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) have been valued as a medicinal plant for centuries. They contain arbutin, a natural substance that effectively inhibits tyrosinase activity. Arbutin is a stable and safe derivative of hydroquinone and is considered a compatible alternative to it, as hydroquinone has been banned for cosmetic use in the EU since 2001.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) also inhibits tyrosinase, prevents the oxidation of intermediate products of melanin synthesis, stimulates collagen formation, and protects against oxidative stress as an antioxidant.

Glutathione, a tripeptide produced naturally in the body, is a particularly powerful radical scavenger. It regenerates oxidized vitamin C and forms a highly effective antioxidant system with it. In skin care, glutathione protects against photoaging and UV-induced stress.

 

These three active ingredients are combined in the liposomal active ingredient NanoWhite. Encapsulation increases their stability and optimizes their availability to the skin. The combination effectively inhibits melanin synthesis and supports an even, radiant complexion.

Clinical results show that pigment irregularities are visibly reduced and new pigment spots are prevented.

 

NanoWhite profile

INCI: Lecithin (and) Arbutin (and) Linolenic Acid (and) Linoleic Acid (and) Tocopheryl Acetate (and) Ascorbyl Palmitate (and) Glutathione (and) Alcohol (and) Aqua / Water

Alcohol-free version available

Application concentration: 2–5%

Effect: Inhibits melanin synthesis, antioxidant, skin-lightening

 

 

Radiant complexion with garden cress sprouts

Sprouts are considered true nutrient concentrates. Garden cress sprouts in particular contain high amounts of sulforaphane, a sulfur-containing phytochemical from the isothiocyanate group.

Sulforaphane is known for its antioxidant and cell-protecting properties. In the skin, it can neutralize reactive oxygen compounds and inhibit the activity of α-MSH—a crucial step in reducing melanin formation.

In the active ingredient SulforaWhite, the extract from Swiss garden cress sprouts is liposomally encapsulated to ensure optimal skin availability. The active ingredient reduces UV- and stress-induced pigmentation, supports the skin’s own antioxidant system, and ensures a visibly brighter, more even complexion.

In combination with NanoWhite, it creates a synergistic brightening effect.

 

SulforaWhite profile

INCI: Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract (and) Lecithin (and) Glycerin (and) Aqua / Water

Concentration: 2–5%

Effect: Inhibits melanin formation, antioxidant, skin-brightening

 

 

Targeted treatment of pigment spots

The term lentigo covers various forms of pigmented skin changes, including age spots, freckles, and liver spots. Age spots tend to occur in areas exposed to the sun and are a direct result of cumulative UV exposure.

A modern cosmetic solution should lighten only the hyperpigmented areas without affecting the surrounding normally pigmented skin. At the same time, it is important to address age-related side effects such as loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and lack of moisture.

This is exactly where Delentigo™ comes in. The active ingredient combines garden cress sprout extract with genistein, a soy isoflavone. Genistein inhibits tyrosine kinase, reduces melanin formation, stimulates collagen synthesis, has an antioxidant effect, and slows down light-induced skin aging.

Delentigo™ unfolds its effect in a targeted and continuous manner thanks to a special vector system. Studies have shown a selective reduction in age spots without lightening the natural skin tone. At the same time, the formation of new pigment spots was inhibited.

 

Delentigo™ profile

INCI: Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract (and) Lecithin (and) Soy Isoflavones (and) Polysorbate 80 (and) Alcohol (and) Glycerin (and) Phenoxyethanol (and) Aqua / Water

Application concentration: 2–6%

Effect: Selective skin lightening, antioxidant, protection against photoaging

 

 

Conclusion: Skin lightening as a modern anti-aging component

Skin lightening not only improves the external appearance, but also contributes significantly to skin health through antioxidant mechanisms. Modern active ingredients specifically target melanin synthesis, prevent hyperpigmentation, and enable controlled, safe lightening.

Cosmacon supports you in the development of innovative, skin-lightening formulations—for an even, radiant complexion and contemporary anti-aging concepts.

 

When products are needed quickly:

✨ Our partner Tojo Cosmetics offers innovative, active ingredient-rich private label products – quickly available, high quality and perfect for brands that want to impress with passion and quality.