CAS No. 175357-18-3
Sepiwhite™ MSH is a highly effective skin lightener and brightener suitable for all skin types and ethnicities, delivering a more even and radiant complexion with visible results in just seven days. Scientific studies have illustrated an increase in skin luminosity and a decrease in the number and color of hyperpigmented spots. Sepiwhite™ MSH can be seamlessly combined with other active ingredients, such as niacinamide or AHAs.
Developed from phenylalanine, an essential amino acid involved in melanin synthesis, Sepiwhite™ MSH is a lipoaminoacid or vectorized amino acid. Acting as an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) receptor agonist, it inhibits the melanin synthesis process from the hypothalamus, leading to a reduction in melanic pigments in skin cells.
In two studies, a lotion containing 1% Sepiwhite™ MSH combined with 5% niacinamide was applied. Volunteers reported a noticeable reduction in hyperpigmentation after eight weeks of usage, emphasizing the efficacy of this combination.
- In an eight week study using 2% Sepiwhite™ MSH alone, 83% of volunteers reported a more radiant complexion, 73% fewer age spots, 100% lighter age spots, and 100% more even complexion and skin tone.
- In a seven day study using Sepiwhite™ MSH alone, volunteers reported hyperpigmentation was reduced by 24% and skin luminosity increased by 9%
Sepiwhite™ MSHcan be combined with a number of other ingredients designed to assist with hyperpigmentation. It can be combined with AHAs to promote a more radiant complexion and more even skin tone.
- In studies using 0.2% Sepiwhite™ MSH and 2% ascorbyl glucoside, it doubled the lightening action resulting in a 13% decrease in melanin pigments.
- In a two month study using Sepiwhite™ MSH alone, skin’s luminosity was increased by +1.13 L*, a measure of skin’s brightness.3
Key Benefits
- Promotes a more uniform and more radiant complexion
- Promotes reduction of number and color of age spots
- Demonstrated effectiveness for all skin types and ethnicities
- Promotes a more even skin tone
- Reported visible increases in skin luminosity and brightness
- ECOcert
- Preservative free, paraben free phthalate free
- Readily biodegradable
- Non-phototoxic
Applications
- Anti-aging products for face and body, including gels, emulsions, and toners
- Daily skin rejuvenating products, like sera, targeted treatments, and moisturizers
- Revitalizing products such as toners, gels, masks, and eye products
- Skin lightening make-up removers
- Pressed and loose mineral make-up powders, including foundations and highlighters
INCI: Undecylenoyl phenylalanine
HOW TO USE
- Use 0.2% in combination with another brightener, otherwise up to 2% in the heated water or heated oil phase of a formulation at more than 60°C (140°F).
- In a product with pH 5 or lower, incorporate into any type of formula.
- In a product above pH 5, but below 6.2, can incorporate with the use of up to 20% ethanol. Not the ideal pH range for this ingredient.
- In a product with pH 6.2 or higher, incorporation into any type of formula is possible.
Compatibility & Stability
- Excellent stability in cosmetic products with no expected color or odor changes
- Compatible with formulas containing AHA and kojic acid (pH below 5)
- Compatible with formulas containing arbutin, hydroquinone, niacinamide, and those above pH 7
- Compatible with sunscreens
- Suitable for aqueous, hydroalcoholic, or hydroglycolic formulas
- Suitable for clear, colorless formulas
Recommended Usage Percentage: 0.2 - 2%
Solubility: Water soluble at pH 7, otherwise insoluble in water. Miscible in water. Soluble in alcohol and oil.
pH (1% solution in water): 4.0
Country of Origin: China
Shelf Life: 1 year if stored in a cool, dark place.