Dr. Ubonthip Nimmanni of NANOTEC Nano-Cosmeceuticals Lab recently gave a talk on “Natural Whitening Cosmetics” at the IFSCC 2011. Dr. Ubonthip informed that skin depigmentation to lighten skin color and even skin tone has been practiced since ancient times. Darker skinned people are seeking a fairer tone however; Caucasian consumers utilize skin-whitening compositions to brighten their skin from the dulling and blotching effect that becomes pronounced upon aging.

“The use of nature-based treatments to whiten or brighten dark colored skin has long been popular among Asian, African, Middle Eastern and South American cultures” said Dr. Ubonthip. “Skin-brightening ingredients have now become an important arsenal for skin anti-aging cosmetics among Caucasians to address age-related dark spots, skin pigmentation, freckles and other skin pigmentation disorders”.

Safety concerns have been a key issue in causing many countries to ban or propose a ban on the use of ingredients that may cause skin irritation and other side effects. These issues have created a worldwide need for new, safe and effective skin-whitening and skin-brightening ingredients from plant sources.

In addition, Dr. Kittiwut Kasemwong also of NANOTEC gave an oral presentation on “Synthesis and Characterization of Water Soluble Beta-D-glucan Nanoparticles for Cosmetic Applications”.

The IFSCC 2011 (3E) “Effective, Economic and Ecological cosmetics” is an international conference and exhibition event organized by the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) to promote international cooperation in cosmetic science and technology. The IFSCC 2012 will be held in South Africa during 15-18 October.