Melanogenesis by definition is the production of the melanin pigments; these are most often produced by cells called melanocytes [1,2]. ... The primary function of melanocytes is the production of the melanin pigment.

What does a melanogenesis inhibitor do?

Directly Inhibiting Tyrosinase Catalytic Activity. The most common target for melanogenesis inhibitors is direct inhibition of tyrosinase catalytic activity. Moreover, in the view of clinical applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, tyrosinase inhibitors are the most popular and wildly-used hypopigmenting agents.

What happens during melanogenesis?

Melanogenesis (the synthesis of melanin) takes place in the melanocytes, which are specialized pigment-producing cells, where melanin is generated as pigment granules, otherwise known as lysosome-related organelles called melanosomes (Videira, Moura, & Magina, 2013; Wasmeier, Hume, Bolasco, & Seabra, 2008).