This study identifies an intracellular melanin degradation pathway operating within keratinocytes and presents a simplified experimental framework integrating cellular and cell-free models. HCP emerges as a modulator of lysosomal-oxidative pigment clearance, offering an alternative pigmentation control strategy beyond melanogenesis inhibition and supporting the development of skin-brightening approaches that preserve physiological pigment homeostasis.
Zhao et al. (Sun,) studied this question.