mercaptonicotinoyl glycine

Mercaptonicotinoyl glycine (2-MNG), marketed under the trade name Melasyl, is a novel topical cosmetic ingredient developed by L'Oréal Research and Innovation to address localized hyperpigmentation disorders, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and solar lentigines. Unlike traditional skin-lightening agents that act as tyrosinase inhibitors, mercaptonicotinoyl glycine operates via a unique mechanism of action by selectively binding to and deactivating reactive melanin precursors downstream of tyrosinase, such as dopaquinone, 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA). By intercepting these precursors before they can polymerize into eumelanin and pheomelanin, it achieves a balanced inhibition of melanin synthesis while preserving melanocyte integrity and function. It is formulated in cosmetic serums and creams, such as La Roche-Posay's Mela B3 serum and L'Oréal Paris's Revitalift Melasyl Dark Spot Creamy-Serum.

Brand names

Melasyl

Other names

2-Mercapto Nicotinoyl Glycine2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine2-mercaptonicotinoyl-glycine