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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
Development and Clinical Assessment of a Comprehensive Product for Pigmentation Control in Multiple Ethnic
Background:
Pigmentary changes in people of different ethnic origins are controlled by slight variations in key biological pathways leading to different outcomes from the same treatment. It is important to develop and test products for desired outcomes in varying ethnic populations.
Objectives:
To develop a comprehensive product (LYT2) that affects all major biological pathways controlling pigmentation and test for clinical efficacy and safety in different ethnic populations.
Methods:
A thorough analysis of biological pathways was used to identify ingredient combinations for LYT2 that provided optimal melanin reduction in a 3-D skin model. Expression of four key genes for melanogenesis, TYR, TYRP-1, DCT, and MITF was analyzed by qPCR. Clinical study was conducted to compare the efficacy and tolerability of LYT2 against 4% hydroquinone (HQ).
Results:
Average melanin suppression by LYT2 in 7 independent experiments was 45%. All four key genes show significant down- regulation of expression. LYT2 provided statistically significant reductions in mean overall hyperpigmentation grades as early as week 2 compared to baseline, with continued significant improvements through week 12 in all ethnic groups tested.
Conclusion:
We have successfully combined management of 6 categories of pathways related to melanogenesis: melanocyte activation, melanosome development, melanin production, melanin distribution, keratinocyte turnover, and barrier function to create a comprehensive HQ-free product. The outcome clearly shows greater pigmentation control with LYT2 compared to other HQ-free products in skin tissue models and earlier control in clinical studies compared to 4% HQ. Clinical study shows pigmentation control benefits of LYT2 in people of Caucasian, Hispanic, and African ethnic origins. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1562-1570.
Insights
A new hydroquinone-free product, LYT2, effectively reduces hyperpigmentation by targeting key melanin production pathways. Clinical trials show significant results across diverse ethnic groups, demonstrating superior efficacy and safety.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ethnic variations in skin pigmentation necessitate tailored treatments.
- Understanding biological pathways is crucial for effective pigmentation management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a comprehensive, hydroquinone-free product (LYT2) targeting all major pigmentation pathways.
- Assess LYT2's clinical efficacy and safety across diverse ethnic populations.
Main Methods:
- Pathway analysis identified LYT2 ingredients for optimal melanin reduction in a 3-D skin model.
- qPCR analyzed key melanogenesis gene expression (TYR, TYRP-1, DCT, MITF).
- A clinical study compared LYT2 efficacy and tolerability against 4% hydroquinone (HQ).
Main Results:
- LYT2 achieved an average of 45% melanin suppression across experiments.
- Significant downregulation of four key melanogenesis genes was observed.
- LYT2 demonstrated statistically significant hyperpigmentation reduction from week 2 through week 12 in all tested ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- LYT2 comprehensively manages 6 melanogenesis pathway categories, offering a novel HQ-free solution.
- LYT2 shows superior pigmentation control in vitro and earlier clinical control than 4% HQ.
- Clinical studies confirm LYT2's benefits for Caucasian, Hispanic, and African ethnic groups.
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