Naturally derived polysaccharides and ganoderic acid A hydrogel with whitening potential to combat oxidative stress and melanin production caused by ultraviolet B.

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Citation abstract

The intersection of natural products and precision skin care has become a new trend in cosmetic development. This study developed a hydrogel composed of oxidized Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, carboxymethyl chitosan, and Ganoderic acid A. The hydrogel formed a stable network through Schiff base bonds and hydrogen bonding, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, self-healing properties, and moisturizing capacity. In vitro experiments demonstrated its potential to scavenge ABTS/hydroxyl radicals/UVB-induced ROS, inhibit α-MSH secretion in HaCaT, reduce melanin content and tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells, and downregulate protein expression of MITF/TRP1/DCT/TYR. The inhibition rate of tyrosinase activity and the melanin inhibition rate in zebrafish reached 68% and 37% at the test concentration, while human trials showed significant skin tone improvement and reduced pigmentation after continuous use for 28 days. This hydrogel provides a novel natural whitening strategy against UVB-induced skin hyperpigmentation.