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Alternative whitening strategies to hydrogen peroxide have been proposed, such as the inclusion of abrasive and/or pigmented particles in the toothpaste. This study compared the whitening effectiveness of a toothpaste containing Blue Covarine (BC) vs. an in-office whitening treatment using 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) in teeth stained. Bovine incisors blocks (6.0x6.0x2.0 mm) were stained with green tea (GT), orange soda (OS), or red wine (RW). The samples were randomly assigned into 8 groups (n=15), according to the type of staining and whitening treatment: G1 – no staining, BC (Control); G2 – no staining, HP (Control); G3 – GT, BC; G4 – GT, HP; G5 – OS, BC; G6 – OS, HP; G7 – RW, BC; G8 – RW, HP. Color change (ΔE), luminosity (L*), green-red axis (a*), and blue-yellow axis (b*) were recorded with spectroscopy at T0 – baseline, T1 – immediately after toothbrushing or in-office tooth whitening, and T2 – after the conclusion of the treatments. The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) was calculated. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measured mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α=0.05). HP showed a better whitening performance (ΔE) (p ≤ 0.042). Otherwise, no effects of the whitening agent were observed (p = 1.000). Data from ΔL, Δa, and Δb showed statistically significant differences for experimental groups (p < 0.001). In the WID analysis, BC and HP had similar effects within control and RW groups. In conclusion, blue covarine toothpaste may be a viable option for extrinsically stained teeth. However, for severe staining, HP-based whitening agents proved to be the most effective treatment strategy.Keywords: Tooth Bleaching. Dentifrices. Color. ResumoEstratégias de clareamento alternativas ao peróxido de hidrogênio têm sido propostas, como a inclusão de partículas abrasivas e/ou pigmentadas nos cremes dentais. Este estudo comparou a eficácia clareadora de um creme dental contendo Blue Covarine (BC) com um tratamento de clareamento em consultório com peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% (HP) em dentes pigmentados. Blocos de incisivos bovinos (6,0x6,0x2,0 mm) foram pigmentados com chá verde (GT), refrigerante de laranja (OS) ou vinho tinto (RW). As amostras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em 8 grupos (n = 15), de acordo com o tipo de pigmento e tratamento clareador: G1 - sem coloração, CB (Controle); G2 - sem coloração, HP (Controle); G3 - GT, BC; G4 - GT, HP; G5 - OS, BC; G6 - SO, HP; G7 - RW, BC; G8 - RW, HP. Mudança de cor (ΔE), luminosidade (L *), eixo verde-vermelho (a*) e eixo azul-amarelo (b*) foram registrados com espectroscopia em T0 - baseline, T1 - imediatamente após a escovação ou clareamento dental em consultório, e T2 - após a conclusão dos tratamentos. O índice de brancura para odontologia (WID) foi calculado. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA mista de duas vidas para medidas repetidas e teste de Bonferroni (α = 0,05). HP apresentou melhor desempenho de clareamento (ΔE) (p ≤ 0,042). Os dados de ΔL, Δa e Δb mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas para os grupos experimentais (p

Context: Dental Bleaching or tooth whitening represents a conservative cosmetic approach even for children and adolescents, for whom treatment may be readily accomplished without permanent alteration to the enamel surface thus limiting the need for lifelong maintenance. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of banana peel and orange peel as teeth whitening agents in deciduous dentition. Methods and Material: Twenty extracted primary anterior teeth were used in this study and each crown was sectioned mesiodistally to obtain 40 samples which were flattened to create a standardized enamel surface. After the staining procedure, 40 samples were allocated into 4 groups, i.e., 10 samples per group, the standard group (35% Hydrogen peroxide), the control group (distilled water), banana peel and orange peel. The samples of each group were treated using the respective agents with standardized pressure and time. Results: The tooth shades were assessed using Digital Spectrophotometer at baseline, 1 week of staining, 1 week of bleaching and 1 week post bleaching. All the results were statistically analysed with Post Hoc Tukey’s test. Both the study groups showed significant changes but, banana peel showed better efficacy than orange peel. Conclusions: Banana peel and orange peel can be considered for teeth whitening in deciduous dentition.

New bis-(triazinlamion) - stilbene disulphonic acid was prepared as fluorescent whitening agent by the ternary condensation of the diaminostilbene disulphonic acid with cyanuric chloride, followed by the rection with different amines, and alkoxides.

Submitted by Mariane Cintra Mailart (mariane.cintra-mailart@unesp.br) on 2022-08-12T15:30:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Mailart MC - Tese de Doutorado.pdf: 18470627 bytes, checksum: b6b688e5d46dfb3c5cada079d84ff87f (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Deise Cristina de Azevedo Gomes Coelho dos Reis (deise.reis@unesp.br) on 2022-08-16T17:37:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 mailart_mc_dr_sjc.pdf: 18470627 bytes, checksum: b6b688e5d46dfb3c5cada079d84ff87f (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2022-08-16T17:37:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 mailart_mc_dr_sjc.pdf: 18470627 bytes, checksum: b6b688e5d46dfb3c5cada079d84ff87f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2022-07-28 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Enxaguatórios clareadores tornaram-se muito populares devido ao seu fácil uso e disponibilidade. Contudo, não há evidência dos efeitos e segurança desses produtos sobre o esmalte sadio e desmineralizado. Esta proposta foi dividida em duas partes. A primeira foi um estudo clínico randomizado que avaliou a eficácia e segurança do enxaguatório clareador. Participantes (n=45) foram alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos de tratamento: LWE (Listerine Whitening Extreme–peróxido de hidrogênio a 2,5%); PL (Enxaguatório placebo); e OPF (Opalescence PF–peróxido de carbamida a 10%). O tratamento foi realizado 1x/dia por 14 dias durante 2h para OPF, e 2x/dia por 90 dias durante 30s para LWE e PL. A cor dos dentes foi avaliada com escalas de cor (DUEC) e por espectrofotometria. Foram avaliados sensibilidade dental, condição gengival, potencial de desmineralização do esmalte, e a satisfação do participante. As avaliações foram realizadas em diferentes tempos. Para as escalas de cor, Kruskal- Wallis mostrou diferença significante entre os tratamentos nos tempos avaliados (p0,05). Para LICT, rSRI diminuiu significativamente após a ciclagem para todos os grupos sem diferença entre eles (p>0,05). Maior concentração de flúor foi encontrada em OPF. LWE e OPF exibiram efeitos semelhantes na perda mineral com valores intermediários. Houve eficácia clareadora tanto para LWE quanto para OPF e manutenção da cor após 2 anos. Houve efeito protetor do enxaguatório durante a ciclagem. Whitening mouthrinses have become very popular because they are easy to use and are accessible. However, there is no evidence of the effects and safety of this product on sound and demineralized enamel. The proposal comprised in two parts. The first one was a randomized clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of the whitening mouthrinse. Participants (n=45) were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: LWE (Listerine Whitening Extreme–2.5% hydrogen peroxide); PL (placebo mouthrinse); and OPF (Opalescence PF–10% carbamide peroxide). The treatment was performed 1x/day for 14 days during 2h for OPF, and 2x/day for 90 days during 30s for LWE and PL. Tooth color was measured using shade guides (DUEC) and spectrophotometer. Tooth sensitivity, gingival condition, enamel demineralization potential, and participant satisfaction were analyzed. The analyses were performed in different times. For shade guides, Kruskal-Wallis showed a significant difference between treatments in the evaluated times (p0.05). For ICLT, rSRI was significantly significant after cycling for all groups with no difference between them (p>0.05). Higher fluoride concentration was found in OPF. LWE and OPF exhibited similar effects on the mineral loss with intermediate values. There was whitening efficacy for both LWE and OPF and color maintenance after 2 years. There was a protective effect of the mouthrinse during cycling CAPES: 88882.434256/2019-01 ; FAPESP:18/23892-8 ; FAPESP BEPE: 20/13036-7

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the colour change in the human enamel bleached with two different natural products and carbamide peroxide, using spectrophotometer. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted 60 single rooted teeth were obtained. The specimens were divided in to three groups of 20 each: Group 1- Carbamide Peroxide, Group 2- Activated Charcoal, Group 3- Strawberry Puree. These teeth were treated with their respective groups for 20 mins, three times for 1 week. Before and after treatment readings were evaluated. Results: Data were analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test for intergroup comparison. The results showed that carbamide peroxide was significantly different from activated charcoal (p

Food grade titanium dioxide particles (E171) are added to various foods as whitening agents, including chewing gums, candies, sauces, salad dressings, and powdered milks. Salad dressings are often consumed with leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, which are rich in minerals. We hypothesized that the presence of E171 particles in foods would interfere with the bioaccessibility of essential minerals. Therefore, we investigated the impact of E171 on the bioaccessibility of minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, P and S) released from spinach leaves using a simulated human digestion tract (GIT) that involves oral, gastric, and small intestinal phases. The digestive enzymes used in the GIT model, including α-amylase, pepsin, and pancreatin, prompted mineral release from spinach leaves under the simulated GIT conditions (except for Ca). E171 particles did not impact the bioaccessibility of most minerals, except for Fe. The final bioaccessibility of Fe decreased from 59% without E171 to 53% with 0.2 wt% E171. Interestingly, the decrease in Fe bioaccessibility mainly occurred within the oral phase, rather than the gastric or intestinal phases. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reduction in Fe bioaccessibility was due to the following two processes: (i) inhibition of α-amylase activity by E171, thereby interfering with Fe release from the spinach leaves and (ii) adsorption of Fe onto E171 particles. The results of this study are useful for assessing the potential impact of E171 on the human digestive process and the nutritional value of foods.

The goal of this study was to develop an eco-friendly removal technology for fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) using enzymes suitable for each type of FWA. Internally treated paper with internal FWA (D-FWA) and surface-sized paper with surface-sizing FWA (T-FWA) were made as model papers in a laboratory. The enzymatic treatments were applied to the stock prepared using these model papers by disintegration. Cellulase and (alpha-) amylase treatments were performed at 50 °C under the conditions of pH 3 to 4 and pH 7 to 8, respectively. After disintegration and enzymatic treatments, handsheets were made, and the fluorescence index and FWA reduction of these handsheets were determined for evaluating FWA removal during recycling. Because D-FWA gets strongly attached to cellulosic fibers, it could not be easily separated from the internally treated paper by disintegration. Up to 8.1% of D-FWA was removed by enzymatic treatment with high-activity cellulase. Amylase could not separate D-FWA from cellulosic fibers. In the case of T-FWA, ca. 41% was separated by disintegration, and an additional 24% was detached from surface-sized papers by high-activity amylase treatment. Therefore, cellulase was effective in removing internal FWA (D-FWA), and amylase was required for removing surface-sizing FWA (T-FWA) during recycling.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Actilux-activated whitening toothpaste and Marine salts powder on color change and microhardness of bovine enamel. Methods: Thirty intact bovine incisors were used in this study to produce enamel specimens. The specimens were randomly distributed into three groups (n= 10) according to the tested whitening agents as follows: Group I: BW; BlanX LED White Shock (Actilux-activated), Group II: MS; Marine salts whitening powder and Group III: CR; Crest regular fluoridated toothpaste. The specimens were stained using black tea solution for 5 days. Each specimen was brushed twice daily for 8 then 15 days. The color was assessed according to CIE (Lab) color system using a VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer. The microhardness was assessed using Digital Display Vickers Microhardness Tester at baseline, after staining, after 8 days, and 15 days brushing. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: After 8 days brushing, BW showed the highest mean (ΔE) while MS and CR both showed lower mean (ΔE). BW and MS showed the highest mean (ΔE) after 15 days brushing with no statistically significant difference between them. After 15 days; BW showed the highest mean microhardness followed by MS while CR showed the lowest mean microhardness. Conclusion: Both Actilux-activated toothpaste combined with LED device and Marine salts powder were effective in tooth whitening as well as increasing enamel microhardness. The whitening efficacy and microhardness is time dependent.

The fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) could be used in polyethylene (PE) packaging to increase whiteness, little work is done to explore the pollution form PE additives to food. Therefore, this study investigated the migration of FWAs from PE food packaging to a fatty food simulant (corn oil) and aqueous ethanol food simulant. Using the determined migration data, both a Crank monolayer migration model based on Fick’s second law and a Weibull migration model were established for the FWAs. We compared the applicability of the two models to the migration tendencies of the FWAs. Both models could describe the migration behaviors of the FWAs into corn oil, the Weibull model predictions were closer to the actual migration trends. The migration behaviors of the FWAs into 95% ethanol could only be described by Crank model. In the Weibull model, the values of the parameters τ and β were positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with the thickness of the food packaging. In the Crank model, the partition coefficient values were positively correlated with the boiling points and negatively correlated with the polarity values. The storage conditions of the food including temperature, the thickness of PE had a tremendous impact on the migration of the FWAs in the PE. We hope this study can promote a deeper understanding of additive pollution from packaging materials to food.

Aim: To evaluate the influence of the parameters L* a* b* on the variation of the color of bovine tooth enamel submitted to artificial darkening, after simulated brushing, with whitening toothpastes containing blue covarine. Methods: To undertake this study in vitro, 60 specimens (SP) were divided into 6 groups (n=10): control group (CGwater) and 5 test groups (GT1-Colgate Total 12, GT2-Oral-B 3D White Perfection, GT3- Colgate Luminous Instant White, GT4-CloseUp White Diamond Attraction, GT5-Sorriso Xtreme White). The specimens were darkened with coffee and submitted to simulated brushing for 6, 12, and 24 months. The alteration in the color was evaluated using CIELAB parameters and the ΔL, Δa, Δb and ΔE were calculated. The data was analyzed through generalized linear models using the R program and considering a level of significance of 5%. Results: The parameters L*, a* and the ΔL, Δa obtained better results in the test group than in the control group. There were no statistical differences between CG and the test groups for the evaluation of the b* parameter. In the evaluation of the Δb, the GT3 differed statistically from the CG. In relation to the ΔE, all the group tests showed a variation in color statistically greater than that of the CG and the GT4 showed the greatest variation, not differing from the GT3 during the periods studied. Conclusion: The mechanical and optical whitening agents positively influenced the values L*a* and b*, as well as in its variations and in the ΔE. It is important to emphasize, however, that to analyze tooth whitening it is necessary to evaluate their parameters together.

This study aimed to systematically compare licochalcone A (LicA) and glabridin (Gla) (whitening agents) release and permeation from Carbomer 940 (CP) hydrogels with different enhancers, and evaluate the relationship between the quantitative enhancement efficacy and structures of the enhancers. An in vitro release study and an in vitro permeation experiment in solution and hydrogels using porcine skin were performed. We found that the Gla–CP hydrogel showed a higher drug release and skin retention amount than LicA–CP due to the higher solubility in medium and better miscibility with the skin of Gla than that of LicA. Enhancers with a higher molecular weight (MW) and lower polarizability showed a higher release enhancement effect (ERrelease) for both LicA and Gla. The Van der Waals forces in the drug–enhancers–CP system were negatively correlated with the drug release percent. Moreover, enhancers with a higher log P and polarizability displayed a higher retention enhancement effect in solution (ERsolution retention) for LicA and Gla. Enhancers decreased the whole intermolecular forces indrug–enhancers-skin system, which had a linear inhibitory effect on the drug retention. Moreover, C=O of ceramide acted asthe enhancement site for drug permeation. Consequently, Transcutol® P (TP) and propylene glycol (PG), seven enhancers showed a higher retention enhancement effect in hydrogel (ERhydrogel retention) for LicA and Gla. Taken together, the conclusions provide a strategy for reasonable utilization of enhancers and formulation optimization in topical hydrogel whitening.

High oxidants in the body and exposure from the outside can have an impact on the skin. The skin can become darker and duller. This causes the use of bleaching agents to be increasingly used. Many whitening agents that are made from chemical raw materials are toxic so that breakthroughs in raw materials that are natural and safer are offered. The natural raw material that can act as a whitening agent is mulberry fruit. Mulberry extract is rich in phenol, arbutin, tannin, which works as an antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor in the formation of pigments in the skin.

Indonesia is the country with the highest number of cervical cancer sufferers in the world. Although the use of sanitary pads containing harmful whitening agents has been known as one of the predispositions of cervical cancer, the rate of cervical cancer continues to increase. This study aims to analyze the relationship between knowledge and perce iv ed severity of cervical cancer with the behavior of choosing sanitary napkin in college students . This study used a quantitative method of cross-sectional study on 125 research subjects. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the selection of pads both in the knowledge of high and low cervical cancer. However, there is interaction between high knowledge and high perceived severity on sanitary pads selection.

Fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) are very important chemical additives that are widely applied in the industrial production field. The history of global FWA production and use spans more than 60 years, but the environmental fate of FWAs has been less reported in the public literature and most studies predate 2000; in addition, the studied FWAs were still limited to FWA71 and FWA351. In this study, the occurrence and distribution of 9 commonly used FWAs in a lake in North China were reported for the first time. We found that 6 target FWAs were prevalent in the lake, and the concentration levels were usually at the ng L−1 level. Decreasing FWA levels with increasing distance from the estuary area were observed in summer. FWA135, FWA185, and FWA367, the most detected 3 FWAs, with the ecological risk at high levels, and ΣRQ >10 were obtained from all the investigated samples, suggesting that all the sampling sites could be considered with certain ecological risk for aquatic life. As a category of heavily and widely used dyes, FWAs in environmental media have been ignored for a long time. Substantial additional research needs to be conducted to determine the environmental behavior and ecological toxicology of FWAs.

Objectives: The aim of this clinical study was to compare tooth sensitivity scores and color change values before and 1 day following whitening treatments using different concentrations of whitening agents for in-office and at-home procedures. Materials and methods: A total of 60 participants divided into 3 groups were included in this study. A whitening procedure was carried out in groups using 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP) in in-office treatment, 16% and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP), respectively. Participants rated their tooth sensitivity at the baseline and 1 day following the treatment. The CIElab values were recorded and color differences were calculated. Results: Within each of the whitening treatments, the tooth sensitivity scores significantly increased following the procedure (p, Cilj: Cilj ove kliničke studije bio je usporediti rezultate osjetljivosti zuba i vrijednosti promjene boje prije izbjeljivanja u ordinaciji i kod kuće različitim koncentracijama sredstava za izbjeljivanje i jedan dan poslije. Materijal i metode: U istraživanje je bilo uključeno ukupno 60 sudionika podijeljenih u tri skupine. Postupak izbjeljivanja proveden je 40-postotnim vodikovim peroksidom (HP) za izbjeljivanje u ordinaciji, te 16-postotnim, odnosno 10-postotnim karbamidnim peroksidom (CP) za postupak kod kuće. Sudionici su ocijenili osjetljivost zuba na početku postupka izbjeljivanja i dan poslije završetka. Rezultati: Pri svakom postupku izbjeljivanja rezultati za osjetljivost zuba značajno su se povećali nakon zahvata (p < 0,05). Najveći porast zabilježen je za postupak u ordinaciji 40-postotnim HP-om, a najmanja osjetljivost zabilježena je za izbjeljivanje kod kuće 10-postotnim CP-om (p < 0,05). Najveća promjena boje nakon postupka izbjeljivanja uočena je u skupini za izbjeljivanje u ordinaciji (40-postotni HP) (3.3) i značajno se razlikovala od izbjeljivanja 16-postotnim i 10-postotnim CP-om kod kuće čija je razlika u boji bila 2,0 (p < 0,05). Zaključak: Nakon postupka izbjeljivanja najmanju osjetljivost zuba prouzročilo je sredstvo za izbjeljivanje kod kuće s niskom koncentracijom CP-a u usporedbi s višim koncentracijama CP-a za kućno izbjeljivanje i HP-a za izbjeljivanje u ordinaciji, s istom učinkovitošću u promjeni boje kao i sredstvo s visokim koncentratom CP-a. U slučaju da je blaga osjetljivost zuba prijavljena prije početka postupka, bilo bi dobro obaviti izbjeljivanje 10-postotnim CP-om.

Introduction Blue covarine is a pigment that promotes optical changes in dental surfaces, providing whitening. Objective To evaluate in vitro the effect of bleaching dentifrices containing Blue covarine in nanoparticulate composite resin subjected to artificial darkening. Material and method One hundred sixty (160) specimens (PBs) of FILTEK Z350XT nanoparticulate composite resin were randomly divided into two experiments: Experiment I - 8 groups (n=10) submitted to brushing with an electric toothbrush for 1 month; Experiment II - 8 groups (n=10) submitted to simulated brushing for 6, 12 and 24 months. Groups were distributed according to the solution/dentifrice tested: CG (distilled water) and 7 test groups (GT1- Coltene Herjos, GT2- Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint, GT3- Colgate Luminous White Brilliant Mint, GT4- Oral B 3D White Perfection, GT5- Close Up White Now Glacier Fresh, GT6- Close Up White Attraction Diamond and GT7- Sorriso Xtreme White Evolution). Result In Experiment I, there was greater ∆E in GT6 in relation to CG, GT2, GT4 and GT5, with no differences among them. In Experiment II, after 24 months of brushing, there was greater ∆E in groups GT6 and GT7. After 24 months of simulated brushing, there was no change in roughness or loss of mass in any group. Conclusion The whitening effect promoted by dentifrices containing the agent Blue covarine seems to be related to the association of this agent with the abrasives present in the formulations of whitening dentifrices.

International audience; Arbutin, a natural glycoside, is well known as a commercial tyrosinase inhibitor, and thus, to prevent pigmentary disorders of skin. In fact, tyrosinase is involved in the biosynthesis of melanin, the skin main pigment. However, arbutin is subject to hydrolysis, which limits its bioactivity. In general, thioglycosides are known to be very resistant to both chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, which increases the interaction time with their biological targets. A biocatalytic approach allowed us to access to thioglycosidic analogs of arbutin in a green approach with good to excellent yields. Such compounds have then been tested as tyrosinase inhibitors as well as inhibitors of melanin transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This latter mechanism takes place via lectin (or lectin-like) receptors present on the cells surface. p-Aminophenyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside appears to be an excellent candidate thanks to its tyrosinase inhibitory activity comparable to arbutin, while having the ability to interact with glycan receptors allowing to reduce melanin transfer.

External cervical resorption is a pathological process, with an etiology that is not completely understood. Possible predisposing factors are orthodontic treatment, trauma, internal whitening, bruxism, etc. Internal whitening is an effective and minimally invasive method for the whitening non-vital teeth. This method is associated with a risk of resorption, which if not treated, can lead to tooth loss. This case report describes the management of two upper incisors with external cervical resorption, with a previous history of root canal treatment and internal whitening. La reabsorción cervical externa es un proceso patológico con una etiología no comprendida en su totalidad. Los posibles factores predisponentes son el tratamiento de ortodoncia, los traumatismos, el blanqueamiento interno, el bruxismo, entre otros. El blanqueamiento interno es una forma efectiva y mínimamente invasiva de blanquear dientes no vitales, con un riesgo asociado con reabsorción, que al no ser tratado podría provocar incluso la pérdida dentaria. Este reporte de caso describe el manejo de dos incisivos superiores con reabsorciones cervicales externas, que tienen como antecedente tratamiento de conducto y blanqueamiento interno.

Objectives : This study aimed to compare the efficiency of three different substances used for the bleaching of non-vital teeth. Methods : Forty bovine teeth were divided into five groups: three test groups (sodium perborate + 20% hydrogen peroxide – SPG; 37% carbamide peroxide – CPG; 35% hydrogen peroxide – HPG) and two control groups (CG1 and CG2). Teeth of the test groups were stained artificially with blood and bleached using the in-office and walking bleach techniques. The efficiency of the bleaching agents was evaluated objectively by comparing the color variables L*, a*, and b* measured spectrophotometrically according to the CIELab system. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey test, adopting a 5% level of significance. Results : The results showed a reduction in lightness (L*) after staining and an increase after the bleaching sessions. The values of a* and b* increased after staining and decreased after the application of the bleaching substances. Conclusions : All substances used for non-vital tooth bleaching exhibited the same bleaching efficiency. No significant differences in this efficiency were observed between the bleaching techniques at the end of the experiment. However, in-office bleaching provided the same bleaching result as the walking bleach technique within a shorter period. Clinical significance: Given the increasing demand for esthetics, the use of different bleaching techniques and the variety of whitening agents, oral health professionals should offer evidence-based treatment, more efficient and in less time.

Carbamide peroxide (CP) is widely used as a tooth-whitening agent in self-administered tooth-bleaching products. In this study, the effects of 5% and 10% CP on dentinal collagen structure and chemical properties were evaluated in vitro. Thirty-five intact teeth were exposed to 2 whitening protocols (2 or 4 h daily) with either 5% or 10% CP gel for 1 wk. Shade changes before and after the whitening protocol were captured colorimetrically using a spectroshade. Collagen scaffold models and demineralized dentine disc samples were prepared and exposed to CP droplets (5% or 10%). Structural changes were investigated using electron microscopy. Finally, mineralized dentine disc samples were prepared postbleaching to assess chemical changes resulting from CP exposure in dentinal collagen using Raman spectroscopy. Results showed a difference in tooth shade when exposed to 5% and 10% CP whitening protocols, with a significantly ( P ≤ 0.01) greater change reported for the 10% CP/4-h group. Imaging of the collagen scaffold model following exposure to CP showed a gelatinization process indicating that the free radical by-products from CP are able to disrupt the quaternary structure of noncrosslinked collagen. The most significant damage on the collagen scaffold was seen for the 10% CP exposure for 4 h. Imaging of the demineralized discs displayed the same glassy amorphous layer appearance as found in the collagen scaffold. Raman spectra of the mineralized dentine discs showed a significant decrease ( P ≤ 0.01) in the integrated area of amide I and amide III values in the 4 test groups following CP application. Amide I was more affected as both the exposure time and concentration of CP increased. Despite the claimed safety of whitening agents, this in vitro study concludes that even low concentrations of CP result in a deleterious change in dentinal collagen.

The Ocean is a continuous body of saltwater that covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface. Despite the fact that oceanic habitats exhibit chemical and physical properties that make certain ocean zones suitable or unsuitable places for different species to live, the chemical (salinity and dissolved gases) and physical (temperature, density, buoyancy, waves, tides, and currents) properties of ocean water are delicately intermingled which produce one of the most self-sustaining life support systems on earth. This unique characteristic has made the marine environment an untapped source of bioactive natural products with unique structural and chemical features. Although many marine-derived compounds have been explored for their potential in pharmaceutical industry and some of which are already on the market, these molecules are still underexplored for natural cosmetics when compared to plant-derived compounds. However, recently many cosmetic firms have turned their attention to the sea to obtain several kinds of marine-derived compounds for cosmetic ingredients such as moisturizer, anti-ageing, photoprotection and skin whitening agents. With more research on the small molecules, biopolymers and enzymes from the marine environment, it is expected that the era of “blue cosmetics” will be dominating this sector very soon.

Some novel 4,4'-bis(2,4-pyrimidinyl)-diamino stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid derivatives 4a-d were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, elemental analysis and ultraviolet absorption spectra. All newly synthesized compounds were interrogated on their whitening effect on cotton fiber as fluorescent whitening agents. Their optical properties were evaluated by the degree of whiteness, color index, light fastness, wet rubbing fastness and dry rubbing fastness. The results indicated that compounds 4a-d showed an obvious whitening effect on cotton fiber and higher fastness than that of C186. The reflectivity of cotton fiber treated with compounds 4a-d at the critical concentration was up to 120.76%. In contrast, the reflectivity of untreated cotton fiber was only 87.23%. The ultraviolet absorption properties of compound 4d were tested under diverse pH values. The results showed that the ultraviolet absorption intensity of compound 4d decreased significantly and the absorption curve had blue shift under acidic conditions. Compound 4d was found to be the most effective molecule as a fluorescent whitening agent with a higher degree of whiteness (CIE Whiteness 135.04) compared to untreated cotton fiber (CIE Whiteness 73.02) at the critical concentration (0.1%).

Consumption of detergents containing linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) is increasing rapidly in Asian countries. A respirometric oxygen uptake method was conducted to examine the aerobic biodegradability of some of the commercially available laundry and dishwashing detergents of India, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. Indian detergents and Japanese detergents showed 95–100% of LAS removal. However, the three-dimensional fluorescent spectra results indicated the presence of residual metabolites such as sulfophenyl carbonate. Indonesian detergents and Thai detergents showed less LAS removal, but the progress of benzene ring cleavage of LAS in these detergents was observed from the test results. The FWAs were observed mainly in laundry detergents. The removal of FWAs during biodegradation test was observed to be between 12.4 and 78.8%. The complex changes in oxygen uptake curve during the test period suggested the presence of various organic compounds in the detergents. The tested detergents were classified into three clusters based on the relationship between the total organic carbon and the fluorescence (220/290 nm) removals. The diverse biodegradation results among the tested detergents from different Asian countries suggested the effects of various ingredients present in the detergents.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of a home bleaching agent (Opalescence PF) on the translucency of CAD/CAM ceramic systems. Materials and methods The 28 sintered ceramic specimens (IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD; 15 mm long, 10 mm wide, 1 mm thick) were divided into two subgroups as control and bleaching groups (n = 7). Carbamide peroxide (CP), 16%, home bleaching agent was applied onto the surface of each specimen for 6 hours per day for 7 days. A spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade Advance) was used to measure the CIE L* a* b* coordinates and the reflectance value (Y) of the specimens on white and black backgrounds. The translucency parameter (TP), contrast ratio (CR), and opalescence parameter (OP) of the specimens were calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation. Results Statistically significant differences in the TP values after 16% CP bleaching treatment were observed (p ˂ 0.05); however, no significant differences were found in the OP and CR values after the surface treatment (p ˃ 0.05). Conclusions According to our study, patients who have all-ceramic restorations in their mouths should be careful when using home bleaching agents, because whitening agents can affect the translucency of all-ceramic restorations such as e.max CAD and Empress CAD.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of agents available in whitening toothpastes (Crest® and Sensodyne®) in vitro on the force decay of elastomeric chains used in orthodontics. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 specimens of elastomeric chains were divided into five groups (n = 60) and were evaluated. These groups included (1) the regular Crest® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (2) whitening Crest® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (3) regular Sensodyne® toothpaste and distilled water solution, (4) whitening Sensodyne® toothpaste and distilled water solution, and (5) distilled water as a control group. The samples' force was measured using Instron at intervals of 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: At the initial time point, the difference in the force values of elastomeric chain between any of the groups was not significant (P > 0.05). On the 1st day, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between all groups except the groups of whitening Crest®, regular, and whitening Sensodyne® (P > 0.05). On days 7, 14, and 28, the rate of decline for all groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results obtained in the present study, it seems that toothpastes without whitening agents have less effect on force decay of elastomeric chain over time.

The impact of spectral power distribution of daylight simulators (ie, D65 simulators) on surface whiteness specification was investigated by focusing on how CIE whiteness and tint values of 8 whiteness samples with fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) vary under different D65 simulators. Large variations in both whiteness (∼16 points) and tint (∼1.6 points) are observed under the D65 simulators above BB grade, as characterized using the CIE metamerism index. However, it is found the variations of the whiteness and tint values are smaller under the D65 simulators whose radiant power in the UVA band (ie, 300-340 nm) was within ±30% in comparison to CIE standard D65 illuminant, as defined in BS 950, which may be a better alternative for evaluating the quality of a D65 simulator for surface white specification using CIE whiteness and tint formulas. The findings also suggest the necessity to fine-tune or revise the CIE whiteness and tint formulas to characterize the surface whiteness under nonperfect D65 simulators or arbitrary light sources.

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin disorder that affects both men and women of all ethnic groups, caused by several factors, such as UV exposure and skin inflammation. Topical whitening agents were found to be the best and the least aggressive therapy for treating hyperpigmentation compared to instrumental approaches. However, topical treatment faces several obstacles due to the low stability of the whitening agents. Therefore, the encapsulation of these agents was found to be crucial as it enhances their physicochemical stability and increases their concentration at the targeted site via an improved skin permeation, penetration or distribution. In this article, we review the literature aimed to enhance the stability and the targeting of skin whitening agents through their encapsulation in various nano and micro-particulate systems.

Bioassay screening or pharmacological evaluation is a common approach to guide the isolation process towards the pure bioactive component. Nevertheless, plenteous time is wasted on isolation, purification and structural elucidation of already known compounds. The tendency over the last years for implementation of high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies leads to the prior identification of the compounds that contribute to the demonstrated activity, avoiding the constant re-isolation of known compounds, reducing workload and cost. The extract of Paeonia mascula ssp. hellenica , which was discriminated for its tyrosinase inhibition among other extracts from Greek flora, was fractionated by FCPC and the resulted fractions were assayed for tyrosinase inhibition potential and further analyzed by HPTLC and NMR. An integrated HPTLC-based procedure for the tracing of compounds that contributed to tyrosinase inhibitory effect in active fractions was established with the use of multivariate data analysis. Additionally, NMR spectral data were correlated with the activity towards tyrosinase resulting in the identification of bioactive compounds through the combination of the Heterocovariance approach (HetCA) and the statistical total correlation spectroscopy (STOCSY). The combined data deriving from NMR and HPTLC correlated to the results of the biological activity by the statistically driven approach, revealed potent whitening agents, providing a major reduction in workload by direct use of routine information.

Four novel stilbene-twelve alkyl quaternary ammonium salts 5a–d were synthesized. All synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. Compounds 5a–d showed efficient whitening effect on cotton fiber and high fastness. Furthermore, compound 5c showed better stability to light than C186 in aqueous solution. The preliminary biological experiment demonstrated compounds 5a–d possessed significant antibacterial activities. Among them, compound 5d turned out to be the most active compound against Candida albicans with MIC50 4 μg/mL as well as E. coli with MIC50 16 μg/mL.

Facial mask is a kind of skin care cosmetics, in which fluorescent whitening agents(FWAs) were added to make face skin look whiter and brighter. In this work, pig skin was used instead of human skin to test the methods. Three methods, including pig skin migration fluorescent spectrophotometry(FS), fiber paper migration FS, and fiber paper migration visual colourimetry(VC), were developed for determining the migration amount of FWAs from facial mask to pig skin. In the methods, a self-assembly light source and fluorescence collecting unit was used. The unit can be easily moved and the measurement was very convenient. Some experimental conditions were optimized. The fiber paper migration VC can give semi-quantitative results and was the simplest one in the three methods because collection, separation and detection of the fluorescence were not needed. Both the pig skin migration FS and fiber paper migration FS can give quantitative results and compared with fiber paper migration FS, the pig skin migration FS could give more practical results by simulating the real way of using facial mask. The limits of detection for disodium 4,4′-bis[(4-anilino-6-hydroxyethylamion-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amion]stilbene-2,2′-disulphonate(VBL) obtained by pig skin migration FS and fiber paper migration FS were 0.03 and 0.05 mg/m2, respectively. 96 kinds of samples were analyzed and the migration amounts of FWAs in 21 kinds of samples were detectable. Correlations between migration amounts obtained by the three methods were very good. Experimental results indicate that the present methods can be applied to the determination of migration amount of FWAs in facial masks.

Instruments used for objective color measurements in Dentistry were introduced to fit the needs of dental clinicians, mainly providing information on the corresponding shade tab or color determination. Instrumental shade determination can help to overcome some shortcomings of the classic visual shade-matching method by bringing accuracy, reliability, and stable color readings. Dental color-measuring devices have the ability to provide reliable data and consistent repeated measurements. Although they have shown excellent repeatability and reproducibility in clinical settings, important deviations in color readings were reported from dental spectrophotometric systems. Furthermore, dental spectrophotometers present a high intra-device repeatability of color coordinates, but because of low inter-device repeatability, data obtained from different dental color-measuring devices may not comparable. Yet, research studies have shown that instrumental shade determination is, at least comparable to, if not better than conventional visual shade assessment performed by dental professionals. The colorimetric coordinates can be used to assess the color similarity (color compatibility) between a natural dental tissue and a dental restorative material, between different dental materials, or between a target tooth and the corresponding restoration or shade tab. This chapter also appraises the color stability of different dental materials during manufacturing or controlling color shifts at clinical placement and in follow-up visits of the patient. Additionally, whiteness objective measurements are presented and associated with research and manufacture of dental materials as well as with clinical practice, with applications such as monitoring of tooth whitening and evaluating the effectiveness of different whitening agents.

Skin whitening product has been in demand by all levels of the community as lighter skin has been described as the main element of beauty. However, many consumers are not well aware of the skin whitening agent that are allowed and safe to be consumed. Therefore, we would like to study on UniKL students' knowledge, attitude, and perception on skin whitening practice. Random sampling method is used to collect our data. 56.0% (N = 215) of the respondents are able to classify correctly half or more of the substances that are banned by the Ministry of Health to be used as a whitening agents such as Hydroquinone, Mercury, Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid given. Half of the respondents have used or are currently using skin whitening products and believe that "Lighter skin increases one's self-esteem." We found that there is a significant correlation between the background of the study with their knowledge on skin and skin whitening products. The correlation between the allowances they received monthly, and the amount that they will spend on these products is insignificant. More female students use skin whitening products compared to male students. 44.7% (N = 88) of the respondents claim to notice improvement on their skin after consuming these products, and some claim to have experienced side effects such as acne, redness, and irritation.

There is an increased accessibility of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening agents with very little data in the literature regarding their effectiveness. This review was done to determine their effectiveness of the predominant OTC whitening agents from 2006 until 2018 where a comparison of each agent was made with a placebo, no treatment or with other OTC whitening agents. The major categories of OTC whitening agents such as dentifrices, whitening strips and paint on gels. Dentist prescribed bleaching applied at home and in-office bleaching studies and studies that demonstrated whitening products to participants were excluded. Articles were searched for in the databases of Medline (Ovid), PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the quality of studies was determined by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) ranking criteria. Compared to other OTC, strips are reported to be effective. Two studies determined whitening strips to be effective. Whitening strips have been shown to be effective when compared with placebos and other OTC whitening agents. Dentifrices are effective in changing the shade of the tooth “by removing extrinsic stains” when compared to a placebo and non-whitening dentifrices, but they are not as effective in comparison to whitening strips. There is a lack of evidence with regards to the effectiveness of paint-on gels. While there is some evidence that OTC can alter shade in the short term, there is a need for better-designed studies.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of the combined auxiliaries of oral hygiene with whitening agents on the micro-hardness and micro-morphology of dental enamel. Materials and Methods. 40 human incisors were used and sectioned to obtain 4x4mm samples and divided into four study groups. Group 1: Electric brushing with Toothpaste (BTP); Group 2: Electric brushing with Toothpaste+mouthwash (BTP+MW); Group 3: Electric brushing with Toothpaste+whitening pen (BTP+WP); Group 4: Electric brushing with Toothpaste+mouth wash+whitening pen (BTP+MW+WP). Samples were submitted toVickers micro-hardness test and visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. All groups, with the exception of group 1, showed a decrease in micro- hardness values after applying the treatments (p

International audience; It has been very recently shown how naturally occurring oxyprenylated coumarins are effective modulators of melanogenesis. In this short communication we wish to generalize the potentialities as skin tanning or whitening agents of a wider panel of natural and semisynthetic aromatic compounds, including coumarins, cinnamic and benzoic acids, cinnamaldehydes, benzaldehyde, and anthraquinone derivatives. A total number of 43 compounds have been tested assaying their capacity to inhibit or stimulate melanin biosynthesis in cultured murine Melan A cells. The wider number of chemicals herein under investigation allowed to depict a detailed structure-activity relationship, as the following: (a) benzoic acid derivatives are slightly pigmenting agent, for which the effect is more pronounced in compounds with longer O-side chains; (b) independently from the type of substitution, cinnamic acids are able to increase melanin biosynthesis, while benzaldehydes are able to decrease it; (c) coumarins with a 3,3-dimethylallyl or shorter skeletons as substituents in position 7 are tanning agents, while coumarins with farnesyloxy groups are whitening ones; (d) double oxyprenylation in position 6 and 7 and 3,3-dimethylallyl or geranyl skeletons have slight depigmenting capacities, while farnesyl skeletons tend to marginally increase the tanning effect; (e) the presence of electron withdrawing groups (acetyl, COOH, and -Cl) and geranyl or farnesyl oxyprenylated chains respectively in positions 3 and 7 of the coumarin nucleus lead to a whitening effect, and finally (f) oxyprenylated anthraquinones have only a weak depigmenting capacity.

Fluorescence whitening agents (FWAs), popular optical brighteners, are extensively used in commercial detergents to increase brightening of washed products. This study characterizes FWA in commercial detergents and quantifies its residue in sewerage linked lakes and the Ganges River water using three dimensional excitation emission matrix (3DEEM) fluorescence and Parallel Factor (PARAFAC) analysis. Concentrations of FWA in commercial detergents were varied between 0.57–12.84 mg/g, which was 0.23–5.14 times higher than the usage guideline of FWA in commercial and household detergents. Most of the detergents used DSBP, but some low priced detergents might not be used any FWA. Photodecay method was used for FWA analysis to circumvent the interferences of natural organic matter (NOM) and it showed about 12–23 times and 2–8 times higher values than the detection limit in lakes and the Ganges River water, respectively. DSBP (4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl) biphenyl disodium salt) concentration was ranged between 4.7–10.42 μg/L and 0.4995–2.59 μg/L in lakes and the Ganges River water, respectively and DAS1 (Disodium 4,4’-bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]stilbene-2,2’-disulfonate) concentration was insufficient to detect due to its rapid signal reduction under photo-irradiation and also interferences of NOM during fluorescence measurement. FWA concentration in the Ganges River was higher in the monsoon than pre monsoon and post monsoon. Seasonal variability of FWAs in the Ganges River might be related to high terrestrial derived input of organic matter into the river channel during monsoon. This study confirmed the potential ability of 3DEEM–PARAFAC to monitor FWA in freshwater as an anthropogenic molecular marker.

A fluorescence collecting unit was self-assembled in our lab. This unit in combination with a fluorescence spectrophotometer was applied to quantify fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) in paper samples. The unit is small and portable, containing three light emitting diodes and a lens. The light emitting diodes were used as excitation light sources, and the emitted fluorescence entered the fluorescence spectrophotometer for signal detection after passing through the lens and a fiber. With high sensitivity, not only the total amount of FWAs in the paper samples could be determined but also the trace amount of FWAs migrated from paper to finger could also be obtained. The limit of detection was 0.12 mg m−2. Thirty practical paper notebook samples were analyzed for their FWA content before and after finger touch. For the purpose of comparison, the European standard method was also applied to determine the migration of FWA in these paper notebook samples. The correlation of the analytical results obtained by the present method with those obtained by the well-established European standard method was satisfactory.

Paper mills are currently pressed to reduce costs because of lack of resources and rising oil prices. Accordingly, paper mills are increasing the quantity of low-priced pulp using a ratio with relatively low whiteness by decreasing the use of high-priced, high-quality pulp. To solve the problem of deteriorated whiteness, paper mills regularly use a fluorescent whitening agent. In addition, with the increase of resource recycling and environmental problems, interest is growing in the use of recycled paper, which partially or completely contains recycled pulp. In this study, we investigated the content of hazardous heavy metals in recycled paper and paper stock produced in domestic paper mills and determined if other residues that are harmful to human health are present. Currently, no regulated minimum value is given for fluorescent whitening agents in Korea nor does sufficient research on the toxicity of these agents exist. Determining the amount of ink residue contained in recycled paper as well as the extent of harmful chemical residue resulting from the deinking and bleaching processes is necessary. This research also determined whether other chemicals added when producing recycled paper remained and subsequently analyzed the organic volatile compounds in the recycled paper and the existing produced paper to evaluate risk. We examined the influence of using waste paper on printing properties by performing comparative research on printing quality, e.g., printing color reproducibility of an existing textbook paper and recycled paper containing 30% old paper, trapping, contrast, halftone dot reproducibility, gloss, and rear shining. Test results concluded that fluorescent material, hazardous heavy metals, and the quantity of detected volatile organic material were not present at levels harmful to human health.

Whiteness is an important characteristic for surface colour, which is affected by the spectral power distribution of the illumination due to the fluorescent whitening agents contained in many white objects. The CIE whiteness metric has been widely used but is known to have limitations. For example, the boundary noted by the metric is not considered large enough, because, in many cases, a surface whose chromaticity lies outside the boundary can still be perceived as white. Further, the metric is only defined to characterize the whiteness of a surface under CIE Illuminant D65, and thus it should not be applied in other lighting conditions or to other light sources. This paper describes a psychophysical study, investigating the whiteness of 50 samples (12 paper and 38 textile samples) under 12 lighting conditions with different levels of correlated colour temperature and ultraviolet radiation. An optimized whiteness metric and a boundary of the white region based on the CIE whiteness metric were derived from the results, which can be used to precisely measure the whiteness of a surface under any lighting condition and to guide spectral engineering for LED sources.

The skin whitening as known as skin lightening or skin bleaching is the most commonly used skincare treatment that helps to achieve a lighter and healthier skin complexion by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin in the practice of using chemical products. Several chemicals are effective in skin whitening, while some of them are toxic or have problematic safety profiles. The products requiring to contain either kind of whiting agents were seen to display labeling issues. Such an elevated number of differences suggested concerns of whether such differences between stated and revealed content of whiting agents. The Analytical chemical measurements of these objects look necessary, no reliable analytical methods have been recorded to determine most of these chemicals. Just the measurement of hydroquinone and some of its ethers is treated by a method registered by the European Commission.

Background To evaluate color changes to composite resins used to restore extracted teeth compared with composite discs after whitening with two agents: hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP). Material and methods Ten human molars with class V vestibular and palatine cavity preparation obturated with Vita hybrid nanocomposite were hemisected to obtain 20 specimens assigned randomly to two groups: O1 and O2. Twenty composite discs were divided into two groups: D1 and D2. The groups O1 and D1 were treated with 16% CP, while groups =2 and D2 were treated with 37.5 % HP. Chromaticity coordinates L*, a* and b* were registered using a spectrophotometer. Results Statistically significant differences were found in O1 for L* and a*, in O2 for all three coordinates, and in D1 and D2 only for L*. Comparisons between groups found significant differences in ΔEe (end of treatment) between O1 and O2, between O2 and D2, and between D1 and O1. Conclusions Both whitening agents produced significant decreases in the three-color components of composites used for dental restorations, while color changes to composite discs were limited to changes in luminosity. HP produced a greater color change to composite dental restorations than to composite discs. Key words:In vitro study, whitening agents, hydrogen peroxide, and carbamide peroxide, dental restorations.

Little is known about the anti-pigmenting effects of whitening agents on solar lentigos (SLs), which comprise ~ 60% of hyperpigmented facial lesions of Asian subjects. Lotions with or without 6% l-ascorbate-2-phosphate trisodium salt (APS) [test lotion (TL) and placebo lotion (PL), respectively] were applied twice daily for 24 weeks in a double-blind half-face study of 27 Japanese females with SLs on both sides of their faces. Pigmentation scores were evaluated using a photo-scale and the skin colors were assessed using a color difference meter and a mexameter for SLs and the non-lesional surrounding skin (NLS). Although the pigmentation scores were not significantly different between the TL and PL-treated SLs after 24 weeks, the L values of TL-treated SLs and NLS increased significantly with a significantly higher △L value in SLs than in NLS. In contrast, the L values of PL-treated SLs and NLS remained unchanged after the treatment. The number of subjects with > 2.0 △L was 7 of 27 (TL) and 0 of 27 (PL) in SLs and 3 of 27 (TL) and 0 of 27 (PS) in NLS. In contrast, the melanin index in TL-treated SLs and NLS significantly decreased with a significantly higher △melanin index in SLs than in NLS. Similarly, the melanin index of PL-treated SLs and NLS were significantly decreased with a significantly higher △melanin index in SLs than in NLS. These findings strongly indicate that APS has a weak but significant anti-pigmenting effect on SLs and a significant whitening effect even on normally pigmented healthy skin.