Bean Extract Compositions for Skin Tone Evenness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin-lightening agents, such as hydroquinone, have skin-irritating properties, and natural alternatives are sought to effectively lighten skin and reduce uneven skin tone without relying on caustic chemicals.
Innovation Solution
Topical compositions utilizing aqueous or alcoholic extracts of azuki beans and navy beans, which inhibit melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity, are applied to the skin to achieve skin lightening and even tone without using known skin whitening agents like hydroquinone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydroquinone is used as a skin-lightening agent, then skin lightening effect is achieved, but skin irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydroquinone with natural plant extracts (azuki bean, navy bean, mung bean) that can be easily obtained and used. These natural alternatives provide the desired skin lightening effect without the harmful side effects of synthetic chemicals like hydroquinone, effectively substituting a harmful substance with a safe natural counterpart
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful skin irritation caused by hydroquinone into a beneficial effect by using natural bean extracts that inhibit tyrosinase activity. The same mechanism of skin lightening is achieved, but instead of causing irritation, the natural extracts provide a safe and effective treatment that improves skin tone without adverse effects
2Reliability
If multiple ingredients are used in natural formulations, then skin lightening effect is achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin lightening function into specific active components within the bean extracts (tyrosinase inhibitors, melanogenesis regulators). By identifying and isolating the specific active principles rather than using complex multi-ingredient formulations, the patent simplifies the composition while maintaining effectiveness. The focus is on the active tyrosinase-inhibiting components rather than all possible natural ingredients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates that bean extracts (azuki bean, navy bean, mung bean) possess multiple functions: they inhibit tyrosinase activity, regulate melanogenesis, and provide skin lightening effects. This multi-functionality of a single ingredient class reduces the need for multiple separate ingredients, simplifying the overall formulation while achieving comprehensive skin care benefits
Data Source
AI summary
A method of whitening skin or evening out skin tone is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to skin in need of treatment a composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of white navy bean, wherein topical application of the composition whitens skin or evens out skin tone.