Skin whitening has always been a goal pursued by many people. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, more and more ingredients have been found to have potential whitening effects. Among them, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and glutathione (GSH) have attracted much attention due to their significant potential in skin whitening.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is an important anti-aging drug, and its potential in skin whitening has also been widely studied in recent years. NMN significantly reduces melanin production in elderly melanocytes by inhibiting the cAMP/Wnt signaling pathway, while having no significant effect on young melanocytes. Studies have shown that NMN can downregulate the expression of genes related to melanin production and reduce the production of melanin. In addition, NMN also shows good whitening effects in human skin models, and can effectively reduce melanin deposition caused by ultraviolet radiation. The whitening mechanism of NMN is mainly achieved by regulating the level of NAD+ in cells. As a key cell metabolism molecule, NAD+ can inhibit key signaling pathways in the process of melanin production, thereby reducing the production of melanin. This whitening effect of NMN is not only safe but also long-lasting, making it a highly promising whitening ingredient.
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is another ingredient with significant whitening potential. Similar to NMN, NR is also a NAD+ precursor that can be converted into NAD+ in cells to exert its whitening effect. Studies have shown that NR can significantly inhibit the production of melanin induced by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), reduce the activity of tyrosinase, and thus reduce the production of melanin. Compared with traditional whitening ingredients, the advantage of NR lies in its safety and high efficiency. NR does not cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions and is a very safe whitening ingredient. In addition, NR can protect the skin from UV damage by inhibiting the expression of UV-induced metalloproteinase genes, thereby reducing melanin deposition caused by UV exposure. These whitening mechanisms of NR make it a highly promising whitening ingredient, and it is expected to become an important choice in the field of skin whitening in the future.
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide molecule with antioxidant and melanin production regulating properties. Glutathione reduces the production of melanin by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and regulating melanin types. As a powerful antioxidant, it can remove free radicals in the body and reduce the damage of oxidative stress to the skin. In addition, glutathione also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can inhibit the production of inflammatory factors, thereby reducing melanin deposition caused by inflammation. This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect enables glutathione to protect the skin from multiple aspects, reduce the production of melanin, and achieve a whitening effect.
Studies have shown that oral glutathione can significantly reduce the melanin content in the skin and improve the skin color. In addition, glutathione can also be used in combination with other whitening ingredients to play a synergistic role.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and glutathione (GSH) have shown significant potential in skin whitening. These ingredients not only have good whitening effects, but also have high safety and stability, making them an important development direction in the field of skin whitening in the future. Future research needs to further explore the mechanism of action of these ingredients, optimize their formula and usage methods, in order to improve their whitening effect and safety.
[1] Brito S, Baek J M, Cha B, et al. Nicotinamide mononucleotide reduces melanin production in aged melanocytes by inhibiting cAMP/Wnt signaling[J]. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2022, 106(3): 159-169.
[2] Lee Y J, Jang S G, Ryu M J, et al. Nicotinamide Riboside Ameliorates Hyperpigmentation on Photo-Irradiated Skin[J]. Cosmetics, 2024, 11(3): 73.
[3] Alzahrani T F, Alotaibi S M, Alzahrani A A, et al. Exploring the Safety and Efficacy of Glutathione Supplementation for Skin Lightening: A Narrative Review[J]. Cureus, 2025, 17(1).
*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.
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