There are several ingredients and products that are marketed as skin lightening or brightening creams. Here are some details about them:
Ingredients:
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Kojic Acid: This is an all-natural lightening and brightening ingredient that is usually made as a by-product of malted rice. It works by inhibiting skin’s tyrosinase enzymes.
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Vitamin C: This is a multi-tasking skincare ingredient that is an antioxidant, collagen builder, anti-aging active, lightens skin, skin brightening, builds skin’s strength, and helps shield skin against pollution. It is a necessary skincare antioxidant and is one of the safest skincare actives you could use.
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Alpha-arbutin: This is another natural skin lightening active that is made by Mother Nature and found in the leaves of the bearberry plant. It can rival even the most effective skin brighteners and works by inhibiting skin’s tyrosinase enzymes.
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Niacinamide: This is a form of vitamin B3 that is an effective skin lightening ingredient. It can help even your skin tone and keep your skin clear.
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Glycolic acid: This ingredient can powerfully boost the results of direct acting skin lighteners like Kojic acid by preventing uneven exfoliation that can cause an uneven skin tone.
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Arbutin: This is a glycosylated hydroquinone that is a new active skin lightening compound isolated from plants. It appears to inhibit the production of melanin without being toxic to the melanocyte (tyrosinase inhibitors) .
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Licorice extract: This is a natural ingredient that promotes skin health and can help wipe out skin discolorations from sun damage while lightening age spots.
Products:
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Adure Natural Fairness Crème by Clear Essence: This cream is perfect for black skin and multi-cultural skin tones of people of color. It has been produced using vitamin C and licorice extracts which are exclusive natural ingredients that promote skin health. The fairness cream is well-balanced to easily wipe out skin discolorations from sun damage while lightening age spots. In addition, this cream from Clear Essence not only endows that attractive glow but also helps in hydrating your skin.
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Unregulated skin lightening creams: These may include many other ingredients that may be relatively safe (for example, lemon juice), toxic (camphor), irritating (detergents), or likely to provoke allergy (hair dye). Complications may arise from the use of these creams.
It is important to note that some skin lightening products may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is recommended to talk to a doctor before using a skin lightener and ask for specific instructions for the product. Make sure there is no mercury in the product, as it can cause harm to the skin.
