Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi)    

Bearberry is one of the many ingredients that has become more prominent in skin care products today as it has been discovered to have a whitening effect on the skin. Bearberry contains arbutin, which is a form of hydroquinone but is considered safer. Used regularly, bearberry can remove freckles, age spots, discoloration and even the most stubborn pigmented areas of the skin.

Tranexamic Acid    

Tranexamic acid is a peptide that is used to prevent excessive blood loss during surgery. Its skin whitening properties was accidentally discovered but now you will find tranexamic acid in several high end skin care preparations. In Asia those desiring whiter skin typically inject tranexamic acid to block melanin synthesis. Most of us would cringe at the thought of injecting ourselves so it is good news that tranexamic acid can be formulated in creams for topical application. It is highly effective at reducing dark spots and providing an overall fair complexion. 

Glycolic Acid  

There are several types of AHAs (fruit acids) but glycolic is undoubtedly the most popular as it delivers numerous skin care benefits. Glycolic acid is able to produce such wonderful results because it has the smallest molecular structure so it can actually penetrate the epidermis and really get to work below the surface of the skin. Glycolic acid treats hyperpigmentation, sun damaged skin, skin discoloration, rough skin, enlarged pores, wrinkles, melasma, oily skin, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, loss of elasticity, and a host of skin conditions. However, glycolic acid on its own will not lighten the skin tone by several shades. We use it frequently in skin lightening preparations to exfoliate the skin and get rid of the dull, dark, dead skin cells. When the thick, darker top layer of the skin is gently removed, skin lightening creams are better able to absorb and work faster. Without proper exfoliation, skin lightening creams will just sit on the top layer skin and the full potential of the active lightening ingredients will not be realized. 

Niacinamide  

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is one of those ingredients that can be described as nothing short of amazing! It is a vital ingredient used in many cosmetics preparations as it is gentle on the skin and offers moisturizing, anti-aging and skin lightening benefits. Unlike other skin lightening ingredients, niacinamide does not stop the production of melanin but instead it prevents the transfer of melanosomes to the surrounding cells. This helps to prevent darkening of the skin and thereby reduces pigmentation. 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

The licorice plant is a legume that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. Outside of dermatology, licorice is used to treat various complaints including stomach ulcers, sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and infections caused by bacteria or viruses. In skin care preparations, licorice is now frequently used as a skin lightening agent. Licorice has been proven to inhibit tyrosinase activity and prevent UVB-induced pigmentation. Some researchers (not us) claim that the de-pigmenting efficacy of licorice is greater than that of hydroquinone. 

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)     

MSM is an organic sulfur compound that plays a critical role in detoxification. It is also a beneficial nutrient for bone and joint health as it improves circulation and reduces inflammation. Though it is commonly available in pill form and taken orally, normal ingestion of MSM from dietary sources will not result in noticeable skin lightening. However, topical application of MSM has been proven to brighten the skin tone and promote glowing skin. MSM is highly regarded as a “beauty mineral” as it helps to strengthen hair and nails and treats skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and acne. On its own MSM is not strong enough to give dramatic skin lightening results but it works well in conjunction with other skin lightening ingredients. 

Ingredients: Water, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitan Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Tranexamic acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Isopropyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbityl Laurate, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (bearberry), Isopropyl Jojobate, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Ethylhexl Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root, Palm Oil, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Citrate, Niacinamide, Potassium Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Morus Alba (White Mulberry), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Kojic acid, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil (Persea Gratissima), Citric Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Hydroquinone, Lavandula Hybrida Lavender Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Linalool,Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Hexylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate.