Compositions and methods for including melanogenesis in a subject

A topical composition for the transdermal delivery of an active agent, wherein the active agent is [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha MSH, and wherein the composition comprises:

• (a) at least one non-aqueous non-toxic solvent selected from the group consisting of lower aliphatic mono- and poly-hydroxy compounds;
• (b) limonene, lemon oil, or a mixture of limonene and lemon oil;
• (c) methylsulfonylmethane;
• (d) a solute modifier comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid or an ester or salt thereof, an oxindole alkaloid, a polyphenolic flavonoid, a sugar adduct of a gluconuride, an isoflavone, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl choline, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K1;
• (e) at least one substance which induces in situ generation of cAMP or cGMP, wherein the at least one substance comprises forskolin;
• and
• (f) a skin stabilizer comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from about 8 to about 32 carbon atoms, an ester of said aliphatic carboxylic acid with an aliphatic alcohol having from to about 20 carbon atoms wherein said ester has a total of from about 9 to about 36 carbon atoms, and Vitamin D3, and
• wherein the composition further comprises one or more absorption modifiers selected from isopropyl myristate and benzophenone.