Pigmented contact dermatitis due to kojic acid. A paradoxical side effect of a skin lightener

Inhibition of melanogenesis by Gaillardia aristata flower extract

“…Data are mean ± standard deviation. ## p < 0.01 compared with the vehicle-treated group, **p < 0.01 compared with the SCF-treated group (n = 3) possibility of kojic acid [9,10] and weak photostability of arbutin [25]. In this study, GAE showed good antimelanogenic activity similar to those of chemicals, and no adverse skin reactions including erythema, burning, or pruritus.…”

“…However, these compounds have undesirable side effects and can be weakly active [9][10][11]. Thus, it is important to develop new depigmenting agents as inhibitors of melanin formation that are derive from natural sources, which will lessen the likelihood of unrelated cytotoxicity or other side effects [12,13].…”

Inhibitory mechanisms of glabridin on tyrosinase

“…Tyrosinase inhibitors, such as kojic acid, N-Phenylthiourea, arbutin or hydroquinone, are used for the treatment of these diseases [9]. However, these inhibitors cause side effects like dermatitis, skin irritation, DNA damage and cancers [10][11][12]. Therefore, searching for tyrosinase inhibitors with higher bioactivity and lower toxicity has become a hot research topic.…”

Anti-Melanogenic Activities of Heracleum moellendorffii via ERK1/2-Mediated MITF Downregulation

“…Therefore, antioxidant defenses might play a beneficial role in mitigating the detrimental effect of excessive melanin production induced by oxidant formation. Researchers are developing various biological reductants and tyrosinase inhibitors such as kojic acid, sulfite, and arbutin to ameliorate hyperpigmentary disorders and pathological complexion discolorations [8,9]. However, whitening products containing potent tyrosinase inhibitors have severe side effects, including high cellular toxicity and low oxygen and water stability, thus limiting their application.…”