Tyrosinase inhibition, antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of active substances and creams used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation (kojic acid, niacinamide and grapevine extract)

Abstract

Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder caused by increased melanin production. It appears in the form of dark spots and makes the complexion uneven. Pigmentation spots, such as age spots (also known as sun spots), manifest themselves most often on the palms, face and hands. The aim of this work was to investigate and evaluate which of the active substances used in hyperpigmentation treatments has the highest degree of tyrosinase inhibition, and the best antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Kojic acid, niacinamide and grapevine extract were used as active substances in the formulations. When summarizing the results, kojic acid gave the best results, followed by niacinamide, and finally grapevine extract. However, it is necessary to perform a long-term in vivo study on volunteers that will show the effectiveness and efficiency of the mentioned substances. In addition to the treatment of hyperpigmentation, the mentioned substances can also be used in antiaging skin treatments due to the presence of antioxidant activity.