Treating hyperpigmentation can be challenging and various modalities are needed to aid in the improvement of topical treatments. Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids containing biologically active ingredients that may improve the appearance of skin and are increasingly popular alternatives to standard agents. Among cosmeceuticals – plant-derived compounds known as phytochemicals, have been shown to have a multitude of cellular actions for various dermatological diseases.

The purpose of a review published in Botanics: Targets and Therapy was to examine the latest clinical studies using plant-derived compounds and their effectiveness in the management of hyperpigmentation disorders. 

Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenolic phytochemicals that possess a host of biological properties, in vitro. Some phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action on various dermatological conditions have been enlisted below(scroll to right for full table view in mobile browsers):

In summary, it was stated that a large variety of safe and effective skin-lightening botanicals exist as potential alternatives to current products, such as, hydroquinone. Natural extracts represent a large repository of ingredients for skin-lightening cosmeceuticals. Dermatologists and primary care physicians would benefit from familiarizing themselves with the evidence supporting or refuting the use of botanically derived products for hyperpigmentation treatment, as patients are becoming increasingly interested in natural alternatives.

Sources

• Botanics: Targets and Therapy. 2016 Sept 16;6. doi: 10.2147/BTAT.S691132.
• Inspiring ingredients. Available at: https://www.scsformulate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/09/LMC_-_SCB_Product_Portfolio_EU_2018.pdf Accessed on 16 July 2020.
• Aldavine™5x. Available at: https://infinity-ingredients.co.uk/product/lucas-meyer-aldavine-aldavine-5x Accessed on 16 July 2020.
• PteroWhite® 90%. Available at: https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/product/i-sabinsa-pterowhite-90 Accessed on 16 July 2020.
• pTeroWhite®. Available at: http://beta.rodpub.com/uploads/73210pterowhite-article.pdf Accessed on 16 July 2020.