Epicutis® Launches Arctigenin Brightening Treatment

The newest addition to Epicutis’s science-based professional skincare line, which the company says treats skin health and not age, is the Arctigenin Brightening Treatment—a clean, clinically proven skin brightening treatment that Epicutis says dethrones Vitamin C as the reigning brightening superpower.

The company said in a press release that the new treatment was developed with cutting-edge biotechnology methods and harnesses the power of Epicutis’ proprietary botanical Burdock extract enriched for high levels of Arctigenin to offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, and Niacinamide products, directly addressing the shortcomings of these methods.

Epicutis founder and CEO Maxwell Stock noted in the press release that Vitamin C is most commonly found in the form of L-ascorbic acid, which is highly unstable when exposed to oxygen.

“With our new patented ingredient, Arctiginen, we are able to create a more stable and effective brightening solution,” Stock said in the press release.

Arctigenin, derived from burdock seed, works synergistically with HYVIA® and Canadian white pine bark to provide a comprehensive brightening solution. This unique formulation ensures that the active ingredients are infused deeply into the skin, maximizing their brightening and spot-reducing benefits.

"Brightening the skin safely is one of the foremost challenges in dermatology," James Wang, MD, double-board certified dermatologist and founder of Metropolis Dermatology, said in the press release. "Although there are skincare options for brightening, such as Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, and Arbutin, results have been generally underwhelming. In fact, there have been few advances since the eighties that have yielded meaningful outcomes."

According to the press release, key ingredients and benefits include:

• Arctigenin extracted from Burdock Seed Oil: This patented extract is a first in skincare. Derived from Japanese burdock root, Arctigenin is clinically proven to brighten skin tone. It offers high potency skin brightening activity without any negative side effects.
• HYVIA® (Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil): A patented extract oil enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6, known as Vitamin F, that is clinically proven to boost skin barrier function and hydrate the skin.
• Canadian White Pine Bark Extract: Clinically proven to illuminate and even out skin tone in just fourteen days. This extract improves skin clarity, inhibits melanin synthesis and alleviates inflammation.
• DSD (Disodium S-Phytyl Diglycoloylcysteine): Powerful antioxidant that soothes and calms the skin.
• Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E: Powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage from sunlight.

"Epicutis' new skin brightening technology called Arctigenin is a novel compound the provides us a safe, gentle, and pure option to offer our patients with pigmentation and sensitive skin," Dr. Wang said. "It is a testament to the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of skin health innovation.”