2-MNG (2-MercaptoNicotinoyl Glycine) prevents UV-induced skin darkening and delayed tanning

R. de Dormael, P. Sextius, N. Bourokba, E. Mainguene, R. Tachon, G. Kumar, H. Jouni, P. Bastien, S. Diridollou

INTRODUCTION

Non-extreme chronic sun exposure induces skin pigmentation via two distinct mechanisms: an immediate darkening resulting from the oxidation of pre-existing melanin or its precursors; followed by a delayed tanning resulting from a new synthesis of melanin. 2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine (2-MNG) has been revealed in vitro as a new molecule, offering high potential for the management of pigmentation¹. Its effectiveness was explained by its ability to form adducts with certain precursors of melanin².

Melanin precursors being involved in both immediate darkening and delayed tanning, we verified in vivo the efficacy of 2-MNG to prevent these two mechanisms following UV exposure.