6-hydroxy-5-methoxyindole

6-hydroxy-5-methoxyindole is said to promote melanin synthesis. Thus it is incorporated into cosmetics to create a tanned look, as with dihydroxyacetone. It is claimed to yield a pigmentation quality equivalent to that obtained from natural tanning.

Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry, 24, p. 941, 1987 DOI: 10.1002/jhet.5570240410