This research discovered a new compound from fungi that could help control skin pigmentation by blocking an enzyme called tyrosinase. The compound works as well as or better than existing skin-whitening ingredients and may be safer to use. Impact on everyday life: • Could lead to new and safer skin-lightening products • May help treat conditions like age spots and melasma • Demonstrates the value of studying fungi for discovering useful compounds • Could improve options for people with uneven skin pigmentation • May reduce reliance on potentially harmful skin-whitening ingredients