Abstract

A REVIEW ON DEMELANIZING AGENTS

*Rohan Narkhede, Prajkta Bonde and Mangesh Mapari

ABSTRACT

Demalanizing agent are the agents which causes inhibition of synthesis of melanin and thus prevent hyperpigmentation on skin. They lighten the skin. They are used as single component or along with combinations of demalanizing agent also known as skin whitening agents. Commonly used examples are hydroquinone mequinol, Azelaic acid, monobenzone, tretinoin, ascorbic acid,etc. These agents are used in light induced pigmentations, heperimentations due to sun burn and melisma and chloasma of pregnancy. Certain agents are used in cosmetics, generally plant extracts which has less irritancy are used. The hyperpigmentation caused by skin whitening agents is not ‘curable’ and will persist for a lifetime.

Keywords: Demelanizing agents, Desquamation, Melanosomes, Hypertrichosis, Ochronosis, Acrodynia.