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Reduce Blemishes with the Best Skin Lightener

  1. Admire My Skin Brightener
  2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15
  3. Northern Crown Cosmetics Intimate Whitening Cream
  4. Olay Pro-X Skin Tone Spot Fading Treatment
  5. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night Moisturizer
  6. SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator Daily High Potency Skin Lightener
  7. Clinique Even Better Skin Lightener
  8. Makari Caviar Face Cream Skin Lightener
  9. Avon Banishing Cream Skin Discoloration Improver
  10. Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector
  11. Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream
  12. OBAGI Nu-Derm Clear
  13. Buyer's Guide

Many people think that the only way to lighten skin is with hydroquinone, which is often used in combination with 2 percent salicylic acid. However, there are many skin lightening creams and gels to help reduce the appearance of sun damage, age spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars and more that don’t utilize hydroquinone because some people feel that the long-term effects of this substance is still unknown. These five skin lightening products that don’t contain hydroquinone were chosen because they received high ratings from beauty and skin experts, and also contain natural ingredients for even more skin benefits like exfoliation, moisturization and protecting skin's elasticity. Also, the key to reducing future dark spots is to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best skin ligtener in 2022, We have listed below the skin lighteners available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

Best Skin Lighteners of 2022 Reviewed in Detail

Admire My Skin Brightener - Best Skin Lightener Overall

The gentle combination of acids in this dark spot corrector helps fade dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation on the skin without causing any irritation. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you can safely use this corrector on the face either once or twice a day and see visible results within just a few weeks.

This corrector does not contain any harmful ingredients like parabens and fragrance, making it completely safe to use. It also comes with easy-to-understand application instructions so you can use it effectively and without experiencing any ill effects. Regular use might cause some peeling on the skin, although this is normal and expected. Also, it’s imperative that you use sunscreen every time you step outdoors, as your skin will be very sensitive after regular application of this spot corrector.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - Best Value Skin Lightener

I used this daily moisturizer for a long time, so I can attest that it definitely helps improve your skin tone and texture, and reduces the appearance of your sun or age spots, acne scares and more. It uses a soy complex and natural light diffusers to brighten your complexion and bring out your skin's natural radiance. The only reason I stopped using it is because it is best for those with normal skin types. It didn't moisturize my dry patches enough, and then it would cause my oily spots to break out more. It improves your radiance factor though within a week. It’s oil free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. The only downside is the fact that it works best with normal skin, and it is a thicker cream.

Northern Crown Cosmetics Intimate Whitening Cream - Easy To Use

Plant-based ingredients like nulberry and licorice extracts are utilized in this natural and delicate skin whitening treatment. It brightens skin tone softly and naturally. It aids in the removal of dark patches and hyperpigmentation. It has a light, undetectable texture with olive oil and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin for mild, irritation-free bleaching. This intimate whitening gel was created with the goal of addressing discolored spots, softly blending and enhancing the overall appearance of the skin in both intimate and delicate places. Its active compounds will aid in the correction of pigmentation issues caused by hormones, sunbathing, or hair removal. It is suitable for all skin types. This dark spot corrector will brighten and level out your skin tone, remove pigment spots, and restore your skin's young bloom. This intimate lightening cream is made in the United States under rigorous safety guidelines.

Olay Pro-X Skin Tone Spot Fading Treatment - Best Drugstore Skin Lightening Cream

Designed by a team of dermatologists and genomics experts, Pro-X Tone Correcting Protocol treats 5 root causes of uneven skin tone to visibly restore even color for smoother, brighter skin. The micro beads exfoliates and hydrates areas, and a 60-day guarantee is provided, so if you don't see a big difference you can get your money back. This is particularly effective on acne scars and for those who constantly suffer from acne, because it isn't too harsh on your skin. All you need is tiny drop once a day (after your shower or before bedtime), and within two weeks users noticed a significant difference in the color of scars, discolorations, and hyper pigmentation. Also, the smell isn't overpowering and it won't cause you to break out. Plus, can also have the peace of mind knowing it's from Olay, a highly trusted skin care brand.

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night Moisturizer - Best Go-To Skin Lightener

The trusted skin care brand Neutrogena offers a remedy for all your skin problems: discoloration, acne scars, sun spots, and uneven tone. The intense, fast-acting moisturizer is proven to improve the appearance and texture of your skin in just one week. And since the product is only around $20, that's quote a solution. In fact, I used this product one about a week and a half, and I noticed a big difference in my small dark acne scars.The accelerated retinol SA is combined with a booster ingredient that increases skin's surface activity to help smooth wrinkles and diminish the look of age spots. On top of that, Vitamin C helps diffuse uneven skin tone. Use two pumps every night. The only downfall is that the product runs out quickly.

SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator Daily High Potency Skin Lightener - Also Consider

The trusted skin care brand SkinCeuticals makes one of my favorites product for reducing the appearance of my acne scars and hyperpigmentation from the sun: the SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator. This product uses natural botanicals that aren't as harsh as their chemical bleaching counterparts, a.k.a hydroquinone, to effectively minimize sun spots, age spots, freckles, scars and more. Kojic acid and emblica are the active ingredients, that actually attack the melanin pigment clusters on the surface of the skin.

Clinique Even Better Skin Lightener - Consider

Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is a product I've used for years for my acne scars and hyperpigmentation as well. This product is really effective on lingering acne scars; daily application will likely yield noticeable results in two to four weeks, and a verified 58 percent improvement in 12 weeks. The specialized ingredients break apart surface darkening and exfoliate it away for a more even complexion. And because it’s Clinique, you know it’s safe and gentle, which is important since you're trying to clear your skin up, not break out some more. However, those with oily skin may see increased breakouts if used on a daily basis.

Makari Caviar Face Cream Skin Lightener - Consider

This hydrating formula/skin lightening cream is ideal for dry, thirsty skin. First, an ultra-rich brightening moisturizer nourishes skin while diminishing the appearance of visible spots, dullness, and discolorations. The formula is called "caviar" because that's what it is: it is created with caviar extracts to improve skin's texture, encourage cell growth, and balance the skin's pH. It also has a great fresh scent. The only downside is the price, $50, and that it's recommended you use the product twice a day, which can result in it running out quickly.

Avon Banishing Cream Skin Discoloration Improver - Consider

Avon has been known as a trusted beauty and skin brand for years, and this skin lightening cream is definitely a great pick for those on a budget--it's under $10. It's light, non-greasy and moisturizing, and uses Avon's own brightening formula as well as botanicals and vitamin E. You will start to notice a significant difference in the depth of your scars or dark spots on your face within a month. It isn't as strong as some of the other brands that cost much more, but with regular use you will definitely see a difference.

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector - Consider

There are several benefits to gain from Almay's complexion corrector. On one side, it's a silky cream that enhances your complexion's radiance, evens skin tone, prevents future damage with an SPF 3, and corrects discolorations. On the other hand, it is also a smart shade lightweight foundation. This means that it provides smooth airy coverage, covering your imperfections flawlessly until the cream's formula corrects them for you. It comes in three shades: light, light/medium and medium, and after you apply the CC cream it formulates to match to your skin tone. It also hydrates and promotes luminosity for a smooth soft complexion.

Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream - Consider

This may be one of the most expensive lightening products on the market — priced around $100 — but users rave about how it hydrates and energizes skin while evening skin tone at the same time. Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer Cream combines an advanced-technology moisturizer with a powerful extraordinary brightening agent for a silky smooth feeling. It greatly minimizes old acne scars, hyperpigmentation and sun spots to make skin appear even and supple, while simultaneously fighting aging and future sun damage. For those with major spots to be lightened on the face, this product is well worth the investment.

OBAGI Nu-Derm Clear - Consider

Obagi is a trusted skin care brand, so it's no surprise that users have rave reviews about the Nu-Derm Clear product line. It is rated to make skin look younger, clearer and smoother, and many users say they don't even use foundation or make-up coverage at all anymore because their complexions evened out so much. It works best on dark patches from sun damage, melasma spots and acne scars, as well as rough skin, redness, sallowness (yellowing), and fine lines, and using an anti-aging therapy formula that penetrates below the skin's surface to transform the skin cell functions at the cellular level and correct the damage that way. After 12 weeks, users saw a 50 percent improvement in their skin. The main problem is that there are several Nu-Derm Clear products formulated for all types of skin, so it's best to get consultation to see which one works best for you.

Buyer's Guide

Skin lightener can help reduce the signs of age spots and reduce the appearance of other skin discoloration such as freckles, sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory marks from psoriasis and eczema. Some skin lighteners also help reduce the appearance of acne scars. In addition, skin lighteners can also create a more even tone by reducing the amount of pigmentation, such as freckles usually caused by sun damage.

You will want to use a safe product, tried and tested and effective to get the best results. To help you differentiate between a good product and a poor product, there are several features you might want to look out for and several factors you should consider before you buy.

Continue reading to see our recommendations.

Why do people without skin conditions choose to have lighter skin?

Dark skin is stigmatized around the world. As a result, Japan, Africa, The Middle East, and Latin America are the most popular places to sell skin-lightening products.

In the US during the slave trade, mixed-race people were granted a higher status than Africans and African Americans because they were related to the master class. In the 19th century, it was a common belief that a mixed-race person with light skin was more intelligent, better looking, and more civilized.

Further down the line, there was little representation of black women as a romantic interest or poster girl for a beauty product, instead of only white beauty ideals. These things combined have created a culture of many dark-skinned women feeling unattractive and undervalued.

For this reason, many dark-skinned women believe that they would be found to be more attractive if they lighten their skin. The world needs dark-skinned beauty advocates, so dark-skinned little girls can realize how beautiful they are. In addition, it needs more celebrities to stop lightening their skin.

Things to consider when buying a skin lightener

When choosing a skin-lightening product, there are several factors you should take into consideration. See what we suggest below.

Types of skin lighteners

Pills: You may want to take pills to lighten your skin. Pills will target all your cells evenly. They usually work by inhibiting melanin production inside the skin and lessening its inflammatory response, which darkens skin over time.

- Cream: Skin lightener can be applied to your face and body. It can be used to target certain problem areas too.
- Serum: A skin lightening serum targets small problem areas like age spots. A serum is quickly absorbed and won’t take up much time for your daily skincare routine.
- Soap: You can use a skin-lightening soap that contains ingredients to prevent melanin production. When in soap form, it also has cleansing properties.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in your skin-lightening product are the most important thing to look for. Some ingredients used in the recent past have caused health problems, such as hydroquinone. Hydroquinone contains mercury, and the mercury causes a condition called ochronosis, a discoloring of the skin that turns it black/blue. There are forms of this substance in American manufactured products. However, they are by law only available in safe quantities accompanied by other safety ingredients.

Other parts of the world don’t have the same safety regulations as the US (in Asia for instance); there are no laws against using this ingredient. To be safe, stick to products produced in the US. To be even safer, check out our list of safe skin lightening ingredients your chosen skin lightening product should contain below!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has a large list of benefits, including lightening skin. It is anti-aging, builds collagen, brightens skin, builds skin strength, and helps build up your skin’s natural barrier to defend against pollutants.

Kojic acid

Kojic acid is a popular ingredient in many skin-lightening products. It is a by-product of malted rice used in Japan as a lightener and antiseptic ingredient in soaps. It works by preventing the production of melanin.

Alpha-arbutin

Alpha-arbutin is found in the bearberry plant. It also inhibits the production of melanin in the skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is also known as provitamin B3. Apart from lightening skin, it balances its oil production, works as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ceramide booster - ceramides cement the skin’s layers together and prevent moisture loss and skin damage.

Azelaic acid

Although it is called Azelaic acid, this ingredient is the same PH as your skin (5.5 pH). Therefore, it will combat rosacea and lighten your skin.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in anti-aging serums and creams. It is an extremely effective exfoliator and will get rid of old skin cells. This will speed up the effectiveness of the skin whitening ingredients it is combined with.

Linoleic acid

Many of the natural plant oils you have probably already noticed dotted around different skincare products contain Linoleic acid. These include grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, and evening primrose oil. Linoleic acid not only speeds up your cell renewal like glycolic acid but also lightens skin.

Licorice extract

Some parts of licorice extract work by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, and other parts use different methods. This is a highly effective natural ingredient you should look for in a skin-lightening product.

Skin lightener price range

You can buy skin-lightening products for as little as $5 and as much as $100. To get the best value for money, look for the ingredients we listed and check their quantities within a product. Compare that to the price per Oz, and you will get a good value product. Sometimes buying in bulk is cheaper.

FAQs

How long does it usually take for skin-lightening products to work?


Skin-lightening products can start working within a few days. However, for a notable difference, it can take up to 3 weeks. If your skin-lightening product hasn’t made a difference after 4 weeks, it has probably been ineffective.

What do celebrities use to lighten their skin?

To lighten their skin, many celebrities opt for skin melanin treatment surgery. This treatment causes the skin to become lighter in a concise amount of time.

Does skin become paler naturally as we get older?

As we get older, we become paler because the skin produces fewer pigment-containing cells. Some older celebrities have been accused of lightening their skin, probably simply due to the aging process. Skin also becomes thinner and more translucent as we age.

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