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Lancome Genifique
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Kojic Acid
* A whitening agent created from fungi
* An irritant
Functions:
Kojic Acid is a fungal metabolic product, produced by several species of fungi, that inhibits the rate-limiting, essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of the skin pigment melanin. Kojic Acid is used in whitening products because of this ability to limit melanin production and is often seen as a skin-lightening gel. It inhibits the rate-limiting, essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of the skin pigment melanin(Wikipedia).
In a 1982 study done in Tokyo, Japan, 66 patients were treated with Kojic Acid over an average of one year. 95% saw improvement in the whitening of their skin. In 1994, another study was done by the same independent scientists, and out of 131 patients, 81% saw remarkable improvement. However, Kojic Acid is considered a severe irritant. There are multiple skin-whitening alternatives to Kojic Acid, including: Asafetida, Alpha Arbutin, Gamma Oryzanol, and Tetrahydrocurcuminoids.
Kinetin
* A plant hormone that regulates cell growth by promoting cell division
* Also known as N6-Furfuryladenine
* Please read TIA’s article on Kinetin
* Please read TIA’s article on Kinetin Versus Retinol
Functions:
Kinetin is part of a group of compounds known as cytokinins, a class of growth regulators in plants. In plants, Kinetin promotes cell division and is active in the processes of cellular growth and differentiation. It also functions as an antioxidant, preventing oxidative damage caused by free radicals(Drugs.com).
Although it is proven that Kinetin can do all of these functions in plants, it has only been used in skin care and beauty products since 1994. It was made popular by its inclusion in Valeant Pharmaceutical’s Kinerase, endorsed by Courtney Cox. According to WrinkleReview.com, Kinetin functions as an essential growth hormone, which can influence cell growth and differentiation by delaying and offsetting aging characteristics. By creating new cells through division, Kinetin can refresh the skin’s appearance. In addition, its antioxidant properties protect the outer layers of the skin from free radicals. Kinetin has been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and decrease signs of mottled hyperpigmentation.
