New lightening products and their superstar ingredients . . . • Agarum Extract ~ from sea colander algae
• Arbutin ~ found in cranberries, blueberries, the skin of most pears
• Azeleic acid ~ from the metabolism of a form of yeast (originally used for treating acne)
• Bearberry Extract (also referred to as Uva Ursi) ~ from the leaves of the Bearberry Shrub
• Chamomile Extract
• Dithiaoctanediol
• Glabridin ~ licorice extract (also has the added benefit of anti-inflammatory properties)
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Kojic Acid ~ from fungal metabolism
• Lemon
• Mitracarpus Scaber ~ from the leaves of a tropical plant native to West Africa
• Mulberry Extract
• Niacinamide ~ commonly known as vitamin B3
• Polyphenols and proanthocyanidin oligomers ~ found in white tea extract
• Vitamin C
And, don't forget those amazing AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), i.e. glycolic, lactic, citric, malic or tartaric, that are primarily found in lightening products because they promote exfoliation. This alone will lighten the depth of the hyperpigmentation. Once dead surface cells are removed there will be better penetration of other actives, enhancing their effects. Exfoliation promotes cell regeneration for a quicker movement of newer, less pigmented cells to the skin's surface. The results? Lightening strikes.
