Brussels-headquartered biotech startup Kokuma is bringing its novel depigmentation actives to the U.S. market, engaging dermatology leaders at SCALE Nashville (May 13–17) before making its debut at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day in New York (May 19–20).

Kokuma says its biotech-derived active, Tonasulike-D — shown to visibly fade spots in 21 days across all skin tones — meets rising U.S. demand for clinically backed, well-tolerated alternatives to traditional depigmenting agents.

“In the U.S. dermatology and cosmeceutical space, there is strong demand for clinically supported alternatives to traditional depigmentations agents such as hydroquinone. Tonasulike-D is particularly interesting because it combines solid clinical data and is easy to formulate into premium skincare lines, including pre- and post-procedure care," shared Dr. Michael Gold, renowned Dermatologist recently appointed as Kokuma’s Scientific Advisor.

At the center of its U.S. introduction, Tonasulike-D is a patented depigmenting active designed to visibly reduce hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin tone. Backed by three years of R&D and clinical studies, it delivers rapid depigmentation and progressive brightening over time.

Clinical evaluation across skin types III–V showed consistent improvements in pigmentation and brightness, with visible results from Day 21 and continued progress over 12 weeks. All participants demonstrated improvement by week 8. Notably, results showed up to a +24% increase in brightness (ITA) on darker skin tones, reinforcing its relevance for inclusive pigmentation care. These concerns remain among the most common dermatological conditions in the United States, particularly where melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs.

Tonasulike-D also meets post-procedure care needs with a multi-pathway mechanism—targeting melanogenesis and melanosome transfer rather than relying solely on tyrosinase inhibition.

According to Kokuma, the ingredient is odorless, white, stable, and easy to formulate, enabling use across facial care, body care, and pre- and post-procedure skincare.