A skin-lightening ingredient that is used medically to brighten and even the skin tone. Its main function is to suppress melanin in order to prepare the skin for further treatments and to lighten darkened patches of skin. It’s a controversial ingredient within skincare, but when used short term and under prescription with careful monitoring, it can be very effective. In the UK, Hydroquinone is a prescription drug and using it without medical guidance can lead to Ochronosis, a noticeable condition in which the skin becomes dark and thickened.

This is an enhanced biosynthetic form of Arbutin, which is naturally derived from bearberry plants. Its main function in skincare is to brighten and even skin tone by inhibiting the body from processing Tyrosine – the protein behind excessive melanin production that contributes to hyperpigmentation and melasma.

Tranexamic acid is a man-made form of the protein lysine that is widely used in medicine to prevent excess blood loss. Studies have proved that it has beneficial skin whitening effects through inhibiting the release of factors that stimulate the production of melanin. It’s mode of action in the skin makes it particularly effective in treating UV-induced hyperpigmentation such as melasma.

Kojic acid is produced by several different species of fungi that have the ability to limit the synthesis of melanin in the skin. It’s often found in skin whitening and brightening products to combat hyperpigmentation, dark marks and scarring. Studies have shown some irritation with prolonged use of Kojic Acid, especially if it’s above 1% of the total ingredient formulation.