Pigmentation assays are often used to substantiate cosmetic skin brightening claims. These assays are based on the quantitation of melanin as the endpoint to determine if materials either reduce the production of melanin (skin brightening effect) or increase the production of melanin (skin darkening effect). Enzyme assays can also be beneficial for pigmentation studies, and measure the impact of materials on tyrosinase activity (the rate limiting enzyme in melanin production). Materials which inhibit tyrosinase activity have the potential to reduce melanin formation when applied topically to the skin.
Testing Models
- Cultured Human Melanocytes (can be obtained from Caucasian, Asian or African American donors)
- B16 Melanoma Cells
- MatTek MelanoDerm Tissues (topical application of materials)
- Tyrosinase Inhibition Assay
- Tyrosinase Activity Measured from Melanocyte Lysate
Please note that only the typical targets are listed. If there are other pigmentation related markers that your company has an interest in please let us know and we can accommodate you. Please contact us for specific pricing and study timing.