Depigmenting agents

The depigmenting approach is quite recent, deriving from the observation of unwanted depigmenting action of the phenol derivatives [6] (Sect. 2.2.2.2). On the basis of this clinical observation, the researchers aimed to define the possible mechanisms of action of this class of compounds. The first suggested target was the enzyme tyrosinase, and the capability of different phenol derivatives to act as alternative substrate of the enzyme or as competitive inhibitor was evaluated. Consequently, it was hypothesized that this class of substances, or some of them, may be used for the treatment of the skin disorders due to hyperpigmentation or melanocyte hyperproliferation.