Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, refers to the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten the skin or provide an even skin color by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin. Many of them are also known as competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanogenesis. Skin whitening agents are also utilized for clinical treatment of pigmentary disorders such as melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The end objective of the study is to identify (from patent, non-patent references and market research) the problems & solutions associated with various formulation or ingredients of skin whitening and make recommendations on the basis of technology problems.

We understand that the skin whitening compositions with artificial ingredients can cause skin allergies in people with sensitive skin and negative effects, such as wrinkles and peeling of the skin.

For identifying the key recommendations, skin whitening formulation or ingredients should satisfy at least the following parameters:

1. No skin irritating agent, such as acids/alcohols used in the formulation.
2. Additional effect of formulation other than whitening, for e.g. UV protection.
3. Route of administration other than topical (minimal pain administration).
4. Sustainability.

Inclusion Technologies

1. Synthetic or chemically modified skin whitening agents
2. Agents with skin whitening and therapeutic effect (e.g. acne treating or UV protection) in combination
3. Natural skin whitening agents
4. Any form of skin whitening agents, such as liquid, granules
5. Improved processes (like solvent-free extraction in case of natural agents) and equipment design
6. Alcohol or acid-free skin whitening composition
7. Peptide, amino acids as skin whitening agents

Exclusion Technologies

In essence, all the non-skin whitening agents will be excluded.

1. Skin toning agents
2. Simple cosmetic preparation, for e.g. skin moisture level maintaining agents
3. Skin coloring composition, e.g. mascara, foundation
4. Hair or nail composition
5. Non-human skin whitening composition
6. Other skin disease treatment composition
7. Artificial skin whitening, like tattoo coloring

Key Points Considered

Initial Analysis

Based on patent and non-patent scientific literature, various functions of the agents were identified apart from whitening, for example UV protection and acne reduction.

Key Insights

Key insights were derived for the following parameters after collating analysis of patent and non-patent scientific datasets:

• New agents
• Additional function of skin whitening agents
• Improved characteristics of agents
• Acid or alcohol free agents
• Sustainability
• Natural source / Organic matter

Identification & Analysis

1. Identifying skin whitening agents
2. Identifying non-chemical agents to ensure less or no side effect
3. Identifying characteristics of skin whitening agents, like pH

Key Findings

Skin Whitening Agents:
Based on patent and non-patent scientific literature, we identified new agents along with existing agents, such as enzyme, peptide, plant extract towards skin whitening.

Agent Characteristics:
Based on patent and non-patent literature, we identified characteristics of agents that are compatible with skin parameters (like pH).

Solution Framework

Identifying Key Insights → Rank Solutions → Solution/Recommendation

Ranked the identified solutions based on select parameters and/or framework of parameters.