The Use of Botanical Extracts in East Asia for Treatment of Hyperpigmentation: An Evidenced-Based Review

July 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue 7 | Original Article | 758 | Copyright © July 2020


Published online June 18, 2020

Sophia Hu BA,a,b Sophia Wolfe BS,a,b Melissa R. Laughter PhD,a,b Mona Sadeghpour MDa,c

aDepartment of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. Aurora, CO bUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO cDepartment of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO




soybean extract had a skin lightening effect in treating facial hypermelanosis in 44 individuals.50 Overall, promising results from multiple randomized-control trials and the well-tolerability of soy extract supports the use of soybean extract in treating hyperpigmentation.

DISCUSSION

Asian cosmeceuticals containing natural plant-derived ingredients are increasing in popularity in the U.S. and worldwide. As the market for these skin care products continue to grow, consumers will increasingly seek advice from dermatologists regarding their efficacy. The scientific and clinical evidence supporting some of the most popular ingredients formulated in Asian skincare products used to treat hyperpigmentation, as reviewed here have shown them to overall be safe and welltolerated. Although, well-controlled, robust clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of plant extracts for treatment of hyperpigmentation are continuing to evolve, as reviewed