In vitro and in vivo whitening effects of a Mentha piperita extract

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effects of a mentha piperita extract on CGRP-induced skin pigmentation and to evaluate the efficacy of a whitening formula*. The mentha piperita extract, reduces significantly CGRP induced-pigmentation: 1- in an organ culture of human skin (43 % of pigmented cells and -32 % of activated melanocytes), 2- in a multicellular model containing keratinocytes, melanocytes and neuronal cells (-7 % of melanin content). The clinical results showed: 1- a decrease of spot's circumference by 12.4 % and 13.4 % after two and three months treatment, respectively, 2- a reduction of spot color intensity by 7 % after two months treatment. The mentha piperita extract reduces pigmentation induced by emotional stress in in vitro models and a formula* containing this extract shows whitening properties on facial pigmentation disorders.