Phytochemicals in the treatment of hyperpigmentation

Abstract

: Treating hyperpigmentation can be challenging and an expanded arsenal is needed to aid in the improvement of topical treatments. The current gold standard treatment is hydroquinone. However, it has been associated with a number of adverse effects, including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and exogenous ochronosis in people of darker complexion. Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids containing biologically active ingredients that may improve the appearance of skin and are increasingly popular alternatives to standard agents. Among cosmeceuticals, plant derived compounds, known as phytochemicals, have been shown to have a multitude of cellular actions for various dermatological diseases. This review examines the latest clinical studies using plant-derived compounds and their effectiveness in the management of hyperpigmentation disorders.