COMPOUNDS FOR REDUCING CELLULAR MELANIN CONTENT

The present invention relates to molecules capable of reducing cellular melanin content; in particular to reducing melanin content for applications in fields such as skin lightening. There is a continuing need for new cosmetic skin lightening agents, with improved overall effectiveness. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compound that acts as a melanin content reducer. It is found that specific indolyl compounds can reduce the melanin content in the melanocytes. Disclosed is use of a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, for reducing cellular melanin content of human skin, where, (i) R is: (a) - (CH2)n - A, where n = 1 to 6 and A is -OH or -NH2; or b) - O-(CH2)n - X, where n = 1 to 5 and X is a halogen; (ii) R2 is -H, alkyl, n-hexyl, aryl, alkoxy or aryloxy group; and, (iii) R3 is -H, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy or aryloxy group.