Cysteine compounds represented by the following formula
wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, and salts thereof, are superior in stability, have less odor, exhibit an eumelanin production suppressive effect, and are useful as cosmetic agents.
Compositions, comprising
(A) a cysteine derivative represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof:
wherein
X and Y are each independently OR1 or NHR2 wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C1-22 alkyl group;
Z is a hydrogen atom or a C1-22 alkyl group; and
W is a C1-22 alkyl group, a C1-22 alkoxy group or a C1-22 alkylamino group, and
(B) a whitening agent,
are useful for whitening skin and reducing melanin production.
Cysteine compounds represented by the following formula
wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, and salts thereof, are superior in stability, have less odor, exhibit an eumelanin production suppressive effect, and are useful as cosmetic agents.
Provided is a cosmetic agent superior in a whitening effect (including prophylaxis and removal of pigmented spot) and having high safety. In addition, a superior melanin production suppressive agent is provided.
A cosmetic agent or melanin production suppressive agent comprising (A) a cysteine derivative represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof:
wherein
X and Y are each independently OR1 or NHR2 wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C1-22 alkyl group;
Z is a hydrogen atom or a C1-22 alkyl group; and
W is a C1-22 alkyl group, a C1-22 alkoxy group or a C1-22 alkylamino group,
and
(B) a whitening agent.