Common Name(s): Terrein,terrein,aspergillus metabolite,melanogenesis inhibitor

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides mitf (melanocyte-inducing transcription factor) suppression for melanogenesis inhibition at the transcription level — upstream of the tyrosinase enzyme targeted by conventional brighteners.

Why It's Used: Terrein is selected for its upstream melanogenesis control — suppressing mitf transcription factor before tyrosinase is even synthesised, providing a complementary and additive brightening mechanism to tyrosinase inhibitors like arbutin and kojic acid.

How It Works: Terrein → mitf promoter suppression → reduced tyrosinase/trp-1/trp-2 gene expression → reduced melanin synthesis upstream of the enzyme level (distinct from tyrosinase inhibition).

Typically Found In: Brightening,anti-pigmentation

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–0.5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Terrein combined with tyrosinase inhibitors (arbutin, kojic acid) provides additive brightening — mitf suppression + enzyme inhibition delivers dual-pathway melanogenesis control.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,terrein mitf suppressor brightening review