I will be applying this test
From the product list of ingredients, I’ve identified only Glycyrrhiza Glabra root extract or Licorice extract as a skin lightener. Licorice extract is one of the safest skin lightening agents with few side-effects. (see also Licorice extract as a skin lightener). It is also the 24th ingredient on the list, indicating an ineffectual amount to facilitate actual skin lightening. I might be wrong, and I am happy to be corrected if I am.
The anti-oxidants present in this product appear to be Vitamin E and Aphloia Theiformis leaf extract (9th ingredient).
Simplistically, this is how antioxidants work: UV radiation generates free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species (or ROS) and both these will counter the effect of ROS. Antioxidant activity reduces the need for skin to react to UV exposure, by producing more melanin. Therefore, at best anti-oxidant activity may indirectly contribute to skin lightening.
Would I buy this product again?
No. There are better Niacinamide based products that you can find. Niacinamide is one of the safest skincare ingredients used. It has a strong trackrecord of safety and importantly is a skin lightener (see Niacinamide as a skin lightener).
I would buy this if all I wanted was to “brighten” dull skin without the expectation of lighter skin tone.
If you do plan use to use this product, please absolutely use a separate sunscreen product with at least an SPF 30 and that protects your skin against both UVA and UVB.
See also Top 5 sunscreen recommendations
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