Skin brightening ingredients target scars, hyperpigmentation, freckles, age – spots, melasma, and other skin issues. However, some skin brighteners/lighteners like hydroquinone are safe to use at 1-2%, but cannot be used long-term because it can cause ochronosis. “A blueish-black discoloration that is deposited on the surface of the skin.
There are many safe skin brightening ingredients that are effective, potent, and can be used long-term for optimal skin health.
Kojic Acid – Kojic Acid is an all-natural skin brightening ingredient that works by inhibiting tyrosinase activity (the pigment-producing enzyme) in melanin production in the skin. As a result, it fades non – normal pigmentation on the skin: It brightens the complexion, evens out the skin tone, causing dull skin to look healthier and more vibrant.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, repairs damaged skin, even out skin tone, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevents premature aging. In addition, it protects the skin against skin damage caused by harmful radicals, sun exposure for healthy glowing skin.
Bearberry (Alpha – Arbutin) – Bearberry extract is a safe alternative to hydroquinone, a skin brightener, and an antioxidant that helps skin attain a uniform and brighter complexion by neutralizing unstable atoms from damaging the cells and accelerating the skin’s aging process. It illuminates and brightens the skin, helps fade discoloration, and dark spots neutralize free radicals. NOTE: Alpha Arbutin is found in the leaves of the bearberry plant.
Glutathione – Glutathione is a molecule naturally found in the body. It’s made in the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is a master antioxidant that balances the body free of radicals by preventing inflammation and other cell damage. In addition, it lightens the skin by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating the enzyme which helps produce skin Pigment.
Arbutin – Arbutin is a safe alternative to hydroquinone. It has all the benefits of hydroquinone without its harmful properties. In addition, it is gentle on the skin, prohibits the formation of dark spots by inhibiting the production of “tyrosinase – an enzyme that helps with melanin production,” and is effective at fading scars. It also reduces the degree of skin darkening after sun exposure by blocking the production of tyrosinase.
Niacinamide – Niacinamide is water-soluble vitamin B3 that works with the natural substances in your skin to improve uneven skin tone, diminish dullness, soften fine lines and wrinkles and strengthen a weakened surface. In addition, it enhances the skin moisture barrier, keeps skin firm and healthy by reducing the impact of environmental stressors because of its ability to regulate oil production and help skin retain its moisture barrier.
Lactic Acid – Lactic Acid exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. As a result, it stimulates skin cell regeneration, fades hyperpigmentation, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and clears up acne. In addition, lactic Acid increases the penetration of other skincare ingredients, stimulating ceramide production, leading to a more vital lipid layer which improves the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture.
Licorice Root Extract – Licorice Root Extract is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient that calms down inflamed sensitive skin. It inhibits the production of tyrosinase to combat discoloration: It contains liquiritin. This active compound helps to disperse and remove existing melanin in the skin. It also includes the molecule “licochalcone A,” which inhibits two inflammatory markers that trigger inflammation.
Mulberry Root Extract – Mulberry Root Extract brightens the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin. When melanin production decreases, the new skin cells underneath contain less dark pigment, making the skin appear brighter as the new skin cells move to the surface of your complexion. It is mild but has effective skin brightening and lightening properties to help your skin attain a brighter and more even complexion.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berry) – Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berry) is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, repair damaged tissues because of its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. In addition, its high content of vitamin C (20 times the amount of vitamin C than an orange) helps brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and protect the skin from the damaging effects of age and pollution.
SOURCE:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5808366/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8301119/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921764/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770230/
