Skin brightening serums help improve dullness, blotches and discoloration for a more even-looking complexion. Some work by inhibiting melanin production to fade dark spots while others improve texture and clarity of skin texture.
This #1 bestseller utilizes botanical skin tone enhancers such as kojic acid, arbutin and bearberry in an alcohol and acetone-free base for maximum skin brightening results. Furthermore, its powerful combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories provides all-around brightening treatment.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid can be an invaluable aid when it comes to combatting dark spots and hyperpigmentation. As a natural skin lightener, kojic acid effectively blocks melanin production – the pigment responsible for dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, its anti-melanin effects help fade the appearance of acne scars over time.
Kojic acid works well alone or combined with other brightening ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C for brightening purposes, and is significantly safer to use than hydroquinone (though less effective). Furthermore, this mild whitening agent contains antioxidant, antimicrobial and exfoliating properties as well.
Arbutin
Arbutin, like kojic acid, is a natural lightening ingredient that inhibits melanin production to diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while helping fade acne scars, melasma, and sun damage. More stable than kojic acid means less chance for oxidation – making long-term use even more effective!
Dermatologist Heidi Prather describes it as an effective method for slowing the production of melanin. As such, it is a more gentle option than hydroquinone which may produce unpleasant side effects like severe sensitivity and irritation.
Arbutin can help fade dark spots on both the face and hands, as well as fade brown patches on their necks or hands. Furthermore, its anti-redness benefits make it useful in conditions like rosacea. You’ll find Arbutin in various skincare products including serums and cleansers to face creams and moisturizers.
Bearberry Extract
Bearberry (Uva ursi or UU), is an evergreen plant known to produce red berries. The leaves contain powerful antioxidants and may be utilized as ingredients in cosmetic products to promote a healthy complexion.
Arbutin is the primary brightening ingredient, acting to inhibit tyrosinase activity and lighten skin naturally. As an organic alternative to hydroquinone, arbutin helps fade age spots, freckles, and melasma while protecting from UV radiation exposure.
UU extract contains phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity, with high DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reduction capacities, flavonoids that display anti-inflammatory and acne fighting effects, as well as multiple other pharmacological activities that make it beneficial.
Emblica
Emblica (Euphorbia emblica), also known as Indian gooseberry or amla, is an ancient herb revered for its therapeutic and rejuvenative properties. Emblica is renowned as an effective immune booster and boasts anti-aging, antioxidant, and skin brightening benefits that have long been recognized.
Emblica works to lighten skin complexion by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Furthermore, this ingredient offers strong antibacterial, liver protective, cardioprotective, antitumor, and antiinflammatory activities – and forms part of an Ayurvedic treatment called Triphala.
Multiple combinations of stable emblica toners were evaluated for stability, skin irritation and efficacy using preference tests. Once finalised, its occlusion and non-irritating properties were observed by watching for changes in erythema index at various time points during its occlusion period.
Green Tea Polyphenols
Green tea polyphenols are antioxidant compounds with multiple health advantages. Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated their beneficial properties, with evidence that taking green tea polyphenols reduces the risk of numerous diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. Its main polyphenol is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
EGCG stimulates the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes, increasing production of antioxidative enzymes, decreasing accumulation of malondialdehyde, inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor growth and protecting skin from UVB radiation.
Laboratory studies indicate that EGCG can inhibit prostate cancer cell growth in test tubes. Although human studies are less conclusive, some suggest that those who drink green tea have lower risks of stomach cancer and inflammation than those who don’t drink it regularly.
