PURPOSE: To obtain a suppressing agent for melanin production excellent in beatifying effect and in the prevention and improvement of pigmentation, and having stability and safety by compounding a compound having a reduced β-ionone ring-containing nonane as a partial structure as an active component, and obtain a skin external agent by compounding the suppressing agent.
CONSTITUTION: This suppressing agent for melanin production contains a compound selected from among 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,2,6-trimethyl-1-yl-cyclohexane)-1- nonanol of formula I; 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,2,6-trimethyl-1-yl-6-cyclohexene)-1-nonanol of formula II; 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,2,6-trimethyl-1-yl-cyclohexane)nonanoic acid of formula III; and 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,2,6-trimethyl-1-yl-6-cyclohexene)nonanoic acid of formula IV. The objective skin external agent is obtained by compounding at least one kind of the melanin-suppressing agents in an amount of 0.001-10wt.% on the basis of the total amount. Especially, for the purpose of the prevention or improvement of aggravation of spots, freckles and dark skin caused by sunburn, it is preferably compound in an amount of ≥0.1wt.%.
OCHIAI MICHIO
SUZUKI YASUHIRO
YOKOYAMA YUKIKO
NOZAWA SUSUMU
KATAGIRI TAKAYUKI
TADA AKIHIRO
NAKANO HIROYUKI
