methyl undecenoyl leucinate

Methyl undecenoyl leucinate is a synthetic small molecule primarily used as an active ingredient in skin whitening creams. It acts as an antagonist of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) by competitively binding to the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), thereby inhibiting the activation of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A pathways. This leads to downregulation of melanogenic gene expression—including MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2—and ultimately suppresses melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. The compound is noted for its efficacy in reducing pigmentation and has demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no significant cytotoxicity or irritation reported in healthy volunteers. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects against environmental stimuli such as UV exposure[1][2][3][5][6].

Other names

L-leucine, N-(1-oxo-10-undecen-1-yl)-, methyl esterD7PH6N3IEID-7PH6N3IEID 7PH6N3IEIUNII-D7PH6N3IEIUNII-D-7PH6N3IEIUNII-D 7PH6N3IEI1246371-29-8