Tyrosinase Interfere Factor (TIF) revolutionized traditional concepts of skin whitening, and was made possible by the discovery of RNA interference by Dr. Andrew Zachary Fire and Dr. Craig Cameron Mello, for which they received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2006. Their research allowed for the blockage of protein synthesis through siRNA.

Using RNA interference technology, TIF inhibits the synthesis of tyrosinase before the formation of melanin. By stopping the biosynthetic pathway of melanin before it begins, RNA is prevented from transcribing the genetic message necessary to produce tyrosinase, thereby blocking the production of melanin.

Without changing the genetic code, RNA interference technology cuts off the melanin synthesis pathway without any risk of genetic mutation.