having a preference for lighter skin, i have tried looking up recommended products in korea and japan. unfortunately, their whitening lines are not available in the US even if the brands are.
i have yet to figure out all the major products out in the US beauty market that provide whitening therapy. here is what i have figured out so far.
whitening/even- toning/discoloration products included
-vitamin C
-arbutin (really hard to find in the US products)
-hydroquinone (usually in prescription products)
-pitera
-barberry/ raspberry/ mulberry
-licorice
-grape seed oil
-soy (aveeno, fresh)
-rice oil (fresh)
-lactic acid
-kojic acid
the big idea is that these ingredients suppress the secretion of melanin, which is responsible for dark skin tone, and stimulate skin cell growth so your skin is refreshed more often.
vitamin c
products that claim to provide this ingredient to your skin can be found pretty often in the US from the body shop to upscale brands like murad and kate somerville. however, reviews on improved discoloration are hard to find and most of the time the ingredient has been targeted to improved collagen production and antioxidant relief.
shiseido's white lucent line emphasizes this ingredient
- some of their products include rice germ enzyme
- ranges from $48.00 to $128.00
- reviews are not that consistent
- specialty stores aren't available in the US yet for kanebo but some of their products are available at japanese/asian supermarkets.
- sleeping pack from kanebo
- $11.00 for 4 oz.
- good reviews in terms of whitening
l'occitane immortelle brightening renewing serum
This water-like gel serum smoothes and firms the skin's surface, while lightening uneven pigmentation thanks to the dual-action of vitamin C and raspberry extract.
L'Occitane's signature Immortelle essential oil protects skin against aging by boosting skin microcirculation and promoting collagen synthesis.
- $52.00 for 1 oz
- good reviews on sephora
Ole Hendriksen Enlighten Me Pigment Lightening Serum
- THC, lactic acid, lemon and mulberry extracts, combined with ester-C
- this serum helps suppress uneven pigmentation and with regular usage, will lighten the skin to new levels of luminosity. It can be used on any skin type and layered with your usual skincare products
- $48.00 for 1 oz
- mixed reviews
pitera
- the main ingredient of fair skinned-cate blanchett-branded sk-ii's facial treatment essence, aka 'holy water,' is
- amino acids and vitamins to your skin. the ingredient was developed by sk-ii
- 90% of the essence providing effects in 28 days
- singlely the most recommended product for whitening online so far
- $185 for 7.3 oz!!
- A velvety night cream containing grape acids and the Caudalie exclusively patented ingredient, VINIFERINE.
- VINIFERINE controls tyrosinase, which is responsible for the unorganized, overproduction of melanin which results in the appearance of dark spots, discolorations, pregnancy mask, age spots, etc.
- helps to reduce existing dark spots and prevent the appearance of new ones.
- Overnight it gently, yet effectively, accelerate skin's natural exfoliation, eliminating the melanin-loaded dead-cells (the areas where dark spots exist) to reveal smooth, luminous skin. Wake up to skin that is more uniform, smoother in textures, nourished, and radiant.
- $68.00 for 1 oz
- good reviews for non-oily skin
DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener
- Naturally and safely banishes hyper-pigmentation on the spot with powerful holistic lighteners that synergistically work to fade discoloration caused by sun damage, blemishes, scarring. Evens out skin tone. For individuals sensitive to Hydroquinone.
- Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, Mulberry Extract, Bearberry Extract, Azelaic Acid, Vitamin C, Lycopene, Grape Seed, CQ10.
- $52.00 for 0.5 oz
- good reviews for non-oily skin
