Arbutin is used by dermatologists as a topical skin lightening agent for treating hyperpigmentation.

It is categorized as a plant extract and a skin lightening agent.

Aside from skin lightening, arbutin also has antioxidant properties that improve skin texture. It’s also used in anti-aging products because of this characteristic.

Arbutin is derived from the leaves of fruits such as bearberry (uva-ursi), pear and cranberry, and it is sometimes made synthetically.

Skin reaction, irritation

If you are using arbutin in a cream or serum, do not apply the product to your whole face.

If you put an arbutin cream or serum on your whole face, you could lighten up non-affected areas.

 Only apply the arbutin serum to the areas on your face affected by hyperpigmentation, and wash your hands after (you probably should be doing this anyways) so you don’t discolor your hands.

Let your arbutin cream or serum fully dry before you applying your moisturizer.

it’s especially important to wear sunscreen because arbutin makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

The whitening effect of Arbutin is not permanent.

• Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent. It bleaches the skin, which can be helpful when treating different forms of  that is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, melasma, age spots, and acne scars.
• The FDA has confirmed that hydroquinone can be safely sold over the counter (OTC) in 2 percent concentrations.
• Hydroquinone bleaches your skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes present. Melanocytes make melanin, which is what produces your skin tone.
• In cases of hyperpigmentation, more melanin is present due to an increase in melanocyte production. By controlling these melanocytes, your skin will become more evenly toned over time.
• It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect. It may take several months of consistent use before you see full results.

Hydroquinone is used to treat skin conditions related to hyperpigmentation. This includes:

• Acne scars
• Age spots
• Freckles
• Melasma
• Post-inflammatory marks from psoriasis and eczema

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hydroquinone topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Severe skin redness, burning, or stinging;
• Severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;
• Blisters or oozing; or
• Blue or black discoloration of the skin (especially if you are Hispanic or African-American).

Common side effects may include:

• Mild burning or stinging of treated skin; or
• Mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

In rare cases, hydroquinone has caused a condition called ochronosis. It’s marked by papules and bluish-black pigmentation. This can occur after prolonged daily use. As such, you shouldn’t use products with this ingredient for more than five months at a time.

• You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydroquinone or peroxide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• Liver or kidney disease;
• Asthma or sulfite allergy; or
• If you are using any antibiotic medicine.

It is not known whether hydroquinone topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether hydroquinone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 12 years old without medical advice.

• Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It's a type of chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be wiped away easily, revealing smooth, younger skin below.
• Studies show that Glycolic Acid skincare assists with boosting collagen production, which is brilliant for plumping up the skin. Collagen is a vital structural protein, helping the skin tissue remain firm and resist wrinkling. At low strengths, glycolic acid is the key ingredient to look out for when it comes to shopping anti-aging moisturizers or face masks, ideal for plumping, smoothing and refreshing your complexion:
• It reacts with the top layer of skin, breaking it down by dissolving sebum and other substances that bind cells together.
• Made up of small molecules, it is able to penetrate the skin deeply and easily. This makes it most effective for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness and uneven texture.
• Dead skin cells are sloughed off revealing smoother, brighter, younger looking skin.

• You’ll find Glycolic Acid in many chemical peels due to high percentages being very effective for skin treatments (if done safely and properly!). Its even safe enough to use on sensitive skins.
• Glycolic Acid can be used in our daily skincare products, without causing any irritation. This is particularly popular with Glycolic Acid for the face, facial washes and cleansers, bringing along rejuvenating benefits from your first step of your cleansing routine
• Derived from plants – such as sugar cane, pineapple and sugar beets- its botanical properties help to treat skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Melasma and Seborrheic keratosis
• Glycolic Acid is the holy grail for exfoliation, effectively removing the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, revealing brighter, fresher skin.
• Products that contain Glycolic Acid are used often to treat scarring, skin discoloration and signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. If you suffer from dull, pigmented or aging skin, look to invest in a once a week exfoliating treatment or an at-home peel product infused with Glycolic Acid.
• It can transfer water molecules from the air into the skin tissue, replenishing any lost moisture. This makes it an effective ingredient in moisturizers when used at low strengths.

Glycolic acid is available in several forms, including over-the-counter and prescription treatments. These include:

• face washes
• lotions
• peels
• serums
• skin care pads

• Glycolic acid isn’t for everyone. Some people have reactions to glycolic acid that can include symptoms such as swelling, itching, and burning sensations. Those with dry or sensitive skin types may find glycolic acid is too irritating for their skin.
• In addition to these concerns, some people find they are more sensitive to sun when they use glycolic acid. Using a daily sunscreen can help reduce the sun exposure risks.

In certain cases, however, it’s better to stay away from using glycolic acid.

• If you are or were on any sort of medication for acne, it’s better to stay away from using products that contain glycolic acid
• In case you have recently undergone some kind of treatment for pigmentation, or microdermabrasion, any kind of treatment aimed to remove the top layer of skin, leaving it sensitive, then it’s better to stay away from glycolic acid.
• If you are a frequent user of sunbeds or are out in the sun often, then you probably should be using glycolic acid.
• Even during pregnancy, you are not supposed to use glycolic acid.
• You cannot use it after waxing.
• In case you have acne and have already gone for some kind of treatment such as laser treatment, you need to stay away from glycolic acid.
• The products you use have a certain percentage of glycolic acid and it can be altered from time to time. Hence, its always advised to start from a lower concentration and work your way up.
• Right before you start, it’s also advised to first make sure that it agrees with your skin. For this, take a small portion and apply it near the back of your thumb. If you have a tingling sensation, that’s alright. This just means it’s entering the dermis layers of your skin. However, if your skin turns red and starts itching, then this could mean that you’re allergic to this.

Kojic Acid is found naturally in many species of fungi and is also the byproduct made during the fermentation of Sake.
Kojic acid is an anti-pigmentation medicine. It works by suppressing the formation of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin.

• Kojic Acid helps in lightening visible spots marks.
• Kojic Acid serves a number of functions beyond skin brightening.
• Kojic Acid is antibacterial, which explains its frequent presence in acne skincare formulations. Because it acts as a skin lightener, it's an effective ingredient for post inflammation hyperpigmentation that can occur from acne lesions. 

• Dry skin,
• Skin burn,
• Skin peeling,
• Erythema (skin redness)

•  It should always be used along with sun-avoidance measures, like using sunscreens and wearing protective clothing.
•  Avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse with water immediately.
•  Do not apply on broken or infected areas of skin. Discontinue use if you experience irritation or allergy and consult your doctor.
•  If you experience any redness, rashes, irritation or stinging sensation when using Kojic Acid, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.