ecause it signified wealth. In Asia, women were deeply
influenced by the concept that a white complexion is
powerful enough to hide a number of faults. Melanin
synthesis was the major source of skin color and played
an important role in protection of UV-induced dermal
irritation; however, overproduction of melanin posed not
only an esthetic problem but also a dermatological issue.
The processes of cellular melanogenesis and response of
the pigment-producing cells to UV radiation and initiated
melanogenesis have been well studied and instrumental
in promoting the development of depigmenting agents.
Ingredients such as hydroquinone, ascorbic acid and
retinoic acid were used as whitening agents to lighten
the skin. Despite their benefits, these whitening agents
would cause some harmful side effects resulting in the
limited application. The “return to nature” trend of
recent years had been accompanied by a booming interest
in whitening agents from natural products(1)
This paper will review the process of melanin synthesis and signal
transduction related to connection between keratinocytes
and melanocytes; moreover, some natural skin-depigmenting
products and how they affect the pigmentation
will be summarized here