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Synergistic impact of arbutin and kaempferol-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside from Nephelium lappaceum L. on whitening efficacy and stability of cosmetic formulations

Summary

This research demonstrates that a natural compound from rambutan seeds works synergistically with arbutin to create more effective skin whitening products. The combination is 35 times more potent than arbutin alone at preventing melanin production in skin cells. The resulting cosmetic formulation maintains its effectiveness and stability for approximately 5.2 months, offering a safer natural alternative to conventional skin lightening agents that can cause irritation.

Background

Excessive melanin production causes skin pigmentation disorders like melasma and dark spots. Current whitening agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid have undesirable side effects. Nephelium lappaceum (rambutan) seeds contain bioactive phenolic compounds with potential melanin-inhibiting properties.

Objective

To evaluate four flavonoid glycosides from N. lappaceum seeds for melanin and tyrosinase inhibition, and to investigate synergistic effects between the most potent compound and arbutin in cosmetic formulations.

Results

Kaempferol-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside showed the highest potency with IC50 of 23.0 µM (35-fold more potent than arbutin). Combinations of this compound with arbutin demonstrated synergistic effects (CI < 1) in melanin inhibition and tyrosinase inhibition. The cosmetic formulation maintained above 90% of active ingredients after one month of storage with an estimated shelf life of 5.2 months.

Conclusion

The synergistic combination of kaempferol-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside and arbutin from N. lappaceum significantly enhances whitening efficacy and stability in cosmetic formulations, presenting a promising natural alternative to conventional skin lightening agents.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 38086982, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49351-3
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