Topical Lightening System Patented by Avon Products

US Patent No. 10,117,821 B2; Avon Products, Inc. has patented a topical composition for reducing pigmentation in human skin, comprising: (i) 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, or a salt or ester thereof, and nicotinamide, or salt thereof, or melanosome-transfer inhibiting derivative thereof, and a cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable vehicle.

The 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, or salt or ester thereof, is present in an effective amount ranging from about 0.1% (w/w) to about 2.5% (w/w) based on the total weight of the composition and the nicotinamide, or salt thereof, or melanosome-transfer inhibiting derivative thereof, is present in an effective amount ranging from about 0.01% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w) based on the total weight of the composition.

The 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, or salt or ester thereof, and the nicotinamide, or salt thereof, or melanosome-transfer inhibiting derivative thereof together provide at least 25% greater relative reduction in melanin synthesis than either component alone.