A new approach to the evaluation of whitening effect of a cosmetic using computer analysis of video-captured image

Whitening effects of cosmetics have been evaluated with change of skin reflectance of the colorimeter. However, skin color implies Hue (H) and Saturation (S) as well as skin reflectance (Value). We have developed a new evaluation method of change of skin color using computer analysis of the video-captured digital image. We have also investigated whitening effects of a new whitening cosmetic essence, 'Concentre anti-tache nuit' (CAN; Parfums Christian Dior, France), which contained 3% magnesium 1-ascorbyl 2-phosphate, on skin color of the face in 15 healthy Japanese females. Measurement was performed after 6 weeks application. Whitening effects were also evaluated with the combination of observation and photographs. CAN showed significant improvement in Saturation of the forehead and left cheek and Value of the forehead. CAN showed greater whitening effects both on the forehead and left cheek in eight (53%) of 15 subjects with the combination of observation and photographs. These results indicated that CAN may have a whitening effect on skin of the face after 6 weeks application. This method may be useful to evaluate the whitening effect of cosmetics and color change of cutaneous disorders. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.