Research
Latest published research we're tracking.
The newest skincare and haircare papers from PubMed, linked to the ingredients we decode. Summaries are the authors' own abstracts — we excerpt, attribute, and link out to the source.
Showing research linked to Melanin (view profile)
Clear16 papers
Food-derived components as natural skin-whitening strategies: Classification, mechanisms, application forms and prospects.
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) · 2026
BACKGROUND: Skin hyperpigmentation has attracted widespread attention. Traditional chemical skin-whitening components pose potential risks, whereas food-derived skin-whitening components are gaining increasing attention owing to their natural food sources and high biocompatibility. SCOPE AND METHODS: This review was conducted by comprehensively searching Google Scholar, Wiley, and Taylor &… Read on PubMed →
Nonapeptide AOP-P1 ameliorates UVB-induced hyperpigmentation by suppressing melanogenesis via targeting natriuretic peptide receptor 2.
Bioorganic chemistry · 2026
Hyperpigmentation disorders remain challenging to treat because most available agents mainly act on downstream melanogenic enzymes rather than upstream regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we identified AOP-P1, an amphibian skin-derived nonapeptide, as a potent anti-melanogenic peptide with nanomolar activity and no detectable cytotoxicity. By integrating in vitro and in vivo functional assays… Read on PubMed →
Amentoflavone mitigates UVB-induced epidermal photoaging by antagonizing PAR2-driven PI3K/Akt/FoxO6 oxidative-stress signaling.
Free radical biology & medicine · 2026
Escalating surface ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation accelerates skin photoaging and underscores the need for safe, plant-derived photoprotectants. Amentoflavone (AF), the principal biflavonoid of the resurrection plant Selaginella tamariscina, has recognized anti-photoaging activity, yet its epidermal mechanism remains undefined. This study utilized animal and cellular models to investigate the… Read on PubMed →
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation: a unified spectrum of dermal pigmentary dermatoses.
Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2026
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH) encompasses a group of dermal pigmentary disorders (lichen planus pigmentosus, erythema dyschromicum perstans and Riehl melanosis/pigmented cosmetic dermatitis) that present with insidious-onset grey-to-brown macules and patches due to dermal melanin deposition. Traditionally regarded as distinct entities, these disorders share overlapping clinical… Read on PubMed →
Mechanism of Inonotus hispidus in treating melasma: integrated in vivo, in vitro, network pharmacology and untargeted metabolomics investigation.
Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2026
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst. is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a long history. Although its use in treating melasma was documented in the Bencaogangmu, its therapeutic mechanism remains unexplored and is poorly understood in modern research. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mechanism of Inonotus hispidus extract in treating melasma. MATERIALS… Read on PubMed →
Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Mechanistic Characterization of Methotrexate and Selinexor as Potent Anti-Melanogenic Agents via Multi-Pathway Suppression of MITF.
Cells · 2026
Tyrosinase is a pivotal therapeutic target for hyperpigmentation disorders, yet current inhibitors frequently exhibit limited potency and suboptimal safety. Here, we employed structure-based virtual screening of an FDA-approved drug library against a refined human tyrosinase homology model, identifying methotrexate and selinexor as potent anti-melanogenic candidates. Both compounds markedly… Read on PubMed →
Anti-Photoaging and Anti-Melanogenic Effects of a Novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RKBP Isolated from Giant Centella asiatica.
Journal of microbiology and biotechnology · 2026
Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major contributor to photoaging and hyperpigmentation, leading to collagen damage and excessive melanin accumulation. This study investigated the anti-photoaging and anti-melanogenic effects of heat-killed L. plantarum RKBP isolated from Giant Centella asiatica. L. plantarum RKBP was prepared by thermal inactivation and evaluated for anti-photoaging effects… Read on PubMed →
Translational Evaluation of a Disodium Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP2Na)-Based Topical Formulation for Physiology-Aligned Skin Rejuvenation: Integrated In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and Clinical Evidence.
International journal of molecular sciences · 2026
Skin aging stems from intrinsic decline and external stressors that induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, ultimately lowering cellular energy production and slowing epidermal turnover to cause wrinkles, dryness, and pigment imbalances. While disodium adenosine monophosphate (AMP2Na) is hypothesized to enhance cellular adenosine triphosphate production and restore epidermal metabolism… Read on PubMed →
Efficacy and Safety of Topical Metformin vs Kligman Formula in the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face Study.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2026
BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented macules and patches on sun-exposed areas, primarily the face. Kligman's formula, or "triple combination cream," is widely used but has potential side effects. Metformin, an oral anti-diabetic agent, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, suggesting its possible role in melasma… Read on PubMed →
Effectiveness of omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids on the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
BMC oral health · 2026
BACKGROUND: In dentistry, gingival hyperpigmentation is a common aesthetic issue caused mainly by excessive melanin deposits. Traditional surgical methods for depigmentation, like surgical techniques, can be effective, but they often associated with pain after the procedure and longer healing times. Because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids… Read on PubMed →
Ethanolic Extract of Padina arborescens Suppresses Melanogenesis and Attenuates UVB-Induced Photodamage in Cellular and Zebrafish Models.
International journal of molecular sciences · 2026
Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces complex skin damage, including hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, and alterations in proteins related to keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier-associated status. This study investigated the multifunctional protective effects of Padina arborescens ethanolic extract (PAEE) against skin damage in melanocytes, keratinocytes, and zebrafish. In… Read on PubMed →
Efficacy of 1064-Nm Picosecond Nd: YAG Laser in Treating Facial Photoaging and Improving Skin Barrier Enhanced by a Multi-Beneficial Composition Formulation: A Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial Study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026
BACKGROUND: In recent years, skin photoaging has received increasing attention, and laser therapy has become the most commonly used treatment due to its safety and efficacy; emerging evidence suggests that adjunctive "integrated skincare" may enhance treatment benefits by reducing post-procedural reactions and supporting skin barrier repair. OBJECTIVE: The split-face, double-blind, randomized… Read on PubMed →
Lasers for Melasma.
Dermatologic clinics · 2026
Melasma is a chronic pigmentary condition with a multifactorial pathophysiology, involving melanin overproduction, photoaging, and hormonal factors, making treatment challenging. Lasers and light-based devices, including intense pulsed light, photobiomodulation, Q-Switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, nanosecond laser, picosecond laser, nonablative fractional laser and… Read on PubMed →
Efficacy and Safety of Non-Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapy for Post-Acne Erythema: A Split-Face, Prospective, Randomized, Single-Center Trial.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026
BACKGROUND: Post-acne erythema (PAE) is one of the most common inflammatory sequelae of acne. Although various therapeutic approaches are currently available, many are limited by suboptimal efficacy, poor tolerability, or high costs. This trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) mesotherapy for the treatment of PAE. METHODS: A total of 25… Read on PubMed →
Histopathological evaluation of facial melasma treated with oral tranexamic acid alone and in combination with ketotifen.
Anais brasileiros de dermatologia · 2026
BACKGROUND: Tranexamic Acid (TA) has demonstrated effectiveness on melasma treatment, and Ketotifen (KET) may inhibit mast cell-mediated melanogenesis. The histologic basis of their depigmenting effects remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate histopathological changes from TA with KET over a 3-month treatment. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind trial, 50 women with facial melasma were… Read on PubMed →
Multitargeted Modulation of Skin Dullness by HNHT Formulation: Synergistic Inhibition of Melanogenesis, Glycation, and Lipofuscin Deposition.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026
BACKGROUND: Skin dullness, characterized by pigmentation disorders and yellowing, is a major cosmetic concern in Asian populations. Lipofuscin exhibits ultraviolet (UV)/visible light spectral absorption, reduces skin reflectance, and contributes to dullness, whereas existing therapies targeting melanogenesis and glycation lack comprehensive efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the multimodal… Read on PubMed →