ABSTRACT
The ideal depigmentating compound should have a potent, rapid, and selective bleaching
effect on hyperactivated melanocytes, carry no short-or long-term side effects, and lead
to a permanent removal of undesired pigment. Depigmentation can be achieved by
regulating (i) the transcription and activity of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1
(TRP-1), tyrosinase related protein-2 (TRP-2), and/or peroxidase, (ii) the uptake and
distribution of melanosomes in recipient keratinocytes, and (iii) melanin and melanosome
degradation and turnover of “pigmented keratinocytes” (1).
