This study was performed to DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, tyrosinase inhibition activity and intracellular melanin synthesis inhibition to verify the whitening effect of Fagopyrum tataricum (bitter buckwheat) extract as contrasted with Fagopyrum esculentum (sweet buckwheat) extract. F. tataricum extract in consequence showed higher antioxidant activities, tyrosinase inhibition activity and melanin synthesis inhibition compared with F. esculentum extract. We investigated skin bright value during 8 weeks after induction of pigmentation in human skin from UV irradiation. In result, we obtained statistically a significant skin whitening effect from visual and mechanical evaluation. Accordingly, F. tataricum extract is expected to be high availability as functional cosmetic material for skin whitening.

Abstract:In this study, facial hair weakening ability of urea and anti-oxidants for shaving was investigated. The hair weakening ability and cross-section increase of hair depends on concentration of urea. The results showed that urea affects swelling of hair and this is related to the hair weakening ability. Anti-oxidants showed outstanding weakening ability despite of their low concentrations by breaking disulfide bond in facial hair. To evaluate the suitability of urea and anti-oxidants for facial cosmetic products, in vitro safety tests were proceeded. The results showed that urea and glutathione were safe for face. As a result, urea and glutathione were safe and outstanding as hair weakening agent for cosmetic shaving products.