PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT OF A COMBINED KOJIC ACID AND VITAMIN C CREAM FOR DEPIGMENTATION THERAPY

Hyperpigmentation is a common dermatological condition characterized by localized darkening of the skin due to excessive melanin production. Conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, and ephelides significantly affect cosmetic appearance and may cause psychological distress. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a topical cream containing kojic acid and vitamin C for the management of hyperpigmentation. Kojic acid acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor by chelating copper ions at the active site of the enzyme, thereby reducing melanin synthesis. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, further suppresses melanogenesis by downregulating tyrosinase activity and neutralizing free radicals. The combined action of these agents provides enhanced depigmenting and skin-protective effects. The cream was formulated using the trituration method with suitable excipients to obtain an oil-in-water (O/W) base. The prepared formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, and stability as per standard procedures. The cream exhibited a smooth texture, pleasant odor, neutral pH, good spreadability, and non-greasy smear. The viscosity was found to be 24476 cps, and the formulation remained stable under specified storage conditions for one month. The results suggest that the formulated kojic acid and vitamin C cream is stable, cosmetically acceptable, and potentially effective for the topical management of hyperpigmentation.