Best Skin Lightening Products

Brown spots, age spots, and skin discoloration could be reduced with a topical lightening product. Most skin lightening products in the market contain:

• Hydroquinone 0.5-2%
• Retinol
• Alpha-Arbutin is a natural ingredient derived from plant extracts: leaves of blueberry, cranberry, bearberry shrub, pears, and some mushrooms
• Licorice Extract is an antioxidant. It is twenty-five times stronger than Kojic Acid
• Kojic Acid is derived from a fungus. It is an antioxidant and a great dark spot lightening ingredient, especially when combined with AHA
• Azelaic Acid 20% is a perfect and effective alternative to hydroquinone
• Vitamin C - its stabilized form in high concentrations is a great skin lightening ingredient along with its anti-aging abilities
• Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid (AHA) or Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Many topical products with hydroquinone have proven to lighten dark spots, especially in combination with Retinol.

However, studies on animals with hydroquinone have shown that this ingredient could be a carcinogen which could cause a skin disorder - ochronosis. FDA suggests to sell it in topical products with a prescription.

Besides the ingredients described above, a well formulated product should also contain antioxidants, soothing ingredients, be free of fragrance, alcohol and other irritating ingredients.

Using a sun block or a sunscreen with SPF higher than 15 while using a skin lightening product is the must. The result could not be achieved without a sunscreen usage.

Top reviewed skin lightening products which I selected based on top consumers reviews and analysis of the ingredients.

Derma E Skin Lighten Creme

Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Pigment Lightening Serum

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream SPF 15

Kate Somerville Complexion Correction™ Overnight Discoloration Perfector

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel

BeautiControl Cell Block-C Intensive Brightening Elixir

BeautiControl Skinlogics Platinum Plus Brightening Day Creme

Mary Kay TimeWise Even Complexion Essence

Olay Pro-X Discoloration Fighting Concentrate

Glymed Plus Living Cell Clarifier

Dermalogica Extreme C

Philosophy Miracle Worker Dark Spot Corrector

SynCare White Action Cream

AzaClear Cream - with a prescription

CelaBright

Alpha Hydrox Spot Light Targeted Skin Lightener .85 oz

Paula’s Choice RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel, for All Skin Types

Paula’s Choice RESIST Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion, for All Skin Types

ProActiv Solution Dark Spot Corrector

NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening Gel

SkinMedica EpiQuin Micro

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LED light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments are very helpful in removing dark spots and skin discoloration.

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