Fed up with feeling like - the discoloration, blemishes and uneven tone of your skin is holding you back? Natural alternatives to hydroquinone can be a great option, as they provide safe and effective skin brightening without all the potential side effects. Here are natural ingredients to help lighten your complexion.
Vitamin C Serum.
Vitamin C is known for being an effective skin lightening agent, as it can reduce the production of melanin in the skin.
Vitamin C has been shown to be effective in brightening and lightening the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, and preventing the effects of sun damage. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is an enzyme responsible for producing melanin, thereby inhibiting its production.
Additionally, vitamin C is loaded with powerful antioxidants that can help combat free radical damage from sun exposure and pollutants in the environment. It can even reduce melanin production as well as redness and inflammation caused by acne breakouts.
To get maximum benefit from vitamin C for your skin, opt for a serum instead of an over-the-counter cream or lotion.
Regular application of vitamin C serum can result in brighter and lighter skin tone with reduced sun spots or age spots within several weeks’ time.
When using a vitamin C serum, make sure to apply sunscreen as well - since vitamin C also helps to increase sun sensitivity.
Vitamin C serums are suitable for all skin types, and can be applied to the face, hands, neck, and chest.Â
Kojic Acid.
Kojic acid is a natural skin-lightening agent that is commonly used as an alternative to hydroquinone. It's derived from fungi and works by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is an enzyme involved in melanin production.
Kojic acid can be very effective in lightening dark spots and discoloration, however, like other skin-lightening ingredients, it is not a long-term solution. If you stop using products with kojic acid for a period of time, the melanin production will return to its normal rate and this may cause skin darkening. Therefore, using skin-lightening products containing kojic acid or any other active ingredient should be part of an ongoing skincare routine.
It’s important to note that it can be irritating for some people. Be sure to perform a patch test before applying to your face or body.
Kojic acid can be combined with other natural skin-lightening ingredients like vitamin C and mulberry extract for a more potent lightening effect. Also, using sun protection is key in order to protect your skin from further damage and discoloration.
Licorice root extract.
Licorice root extract is often used as an alternative to hydroquinone because of its skin-lightening properties.Â
In one study, licorice root extract was shown to be approximately as effective in lightening and brightening the skin as hydroquinone. It’s also safe for all skin types and can be used on sensitive areas like dark spots around the eyes or age spots on the hands. The licorice compound glabridin helps reduce dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin production, while also calming inflammation.Â
Licorice root extract may be best known for its comforting taste in confections and beverages, but it also contains beneficial compounds for skin. Its main active component is glabridin, which can help decrease melanin production by blocking tyrosinase, and thereby help even out the skin tone. In one study, licorice was found to lighten the skin tone of subjects by an average of two shades after 8 weeks of treatment.
Licorice root extract is best used in conjunction with other natural brightening agents, like kojic acid and vitamin C,Â
as this will produce more effective results and help prevent future pigmentation from forming. To use this natural alternative to hydroquinone, look for serums or creams containing pure licorice root extract and apply it all over your face twice daily after cleansing. Be sure to follow with a moisturizer since this ingredient can cause some dryness.
Arbutin extract.
Arbutin extract is another natural, hydroquinone-free alternative for skin lightening. This derivative of hydroquinone has a longer lasting effect than its parent compound and is considered much safer for use on the skin. It works by reducing the amount of melanin in the upper layer of skin, which can help with discoloration and brightening of the complexion.
Arbutin extract works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which ensures that skin-darkening melanin is not produced and instead encourages an even complexion. This natural ingredient is a great alternative to hydroquinone because it does not cause the same nasty side effects such as redness, discoloration, or increased pigmentation. Furthermore, it can be used on all skin tones without risk of adverse reactions.
Studies show that the ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, as well as reduce irritation caused by other brightening products. For best results, look for arbutin extract in concentrations of 1-3%, and use it daily for a minimum of 8 weeks.
When comparing natural alternatives to hydroquinone, arbutin has been clinically proven to be an effective skin-lightening agent. In addition, it’s safe for use on darker skin tones, unlike hydroquinone that can potentially increase hyperpigmentation. This makes arbutin the perfect choice for anyone looking at natural ways to lighten their complexion without resorting to harsh or dangerous chemicals.
So if you’re interested in lightening and brightening your complexion without using hydroquinone, look no further than the natural powers of the ingredients above.
Their ability to inhibit tyrosinase means that it can be applied daily to help fade dark spots and even out skin tones. Plus, its safety for all skin tones means you can use it with confidence knowing that no additional discoloration or damage will occur.
All of these are key ingredients in our products! If you are wary of hydroquinone, or your skin cannot handle it, there are still plenty of options for treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Our ARA Brightening Cream; Daily Brown Out Brightening Pads; Vitamin C Serum; and Vitamin C Cream are faves in this category. Exfoliators provide safe and effective skin brightening without all the potential side effects.Â
Â
Additionally, it’s important that you always use sunscreen on exposed areas regardless of what product you are using; even natural ingredients  can damage areas of skin that aren't protected against damaging UV rays.Â
Meet our revolutionary new sheer feeling sunscreen. Ara CC Sunscreen is a unique tint-free formulation that blends seamlessly into ALL skin tones without leaving a white cast while shielding it from all the harmful pollutants & UV rays.Â
Finally, it's important to recognize that lightening your skin is not the only way to achieve a healthy and glowing complexion. Exfoliation with gentle products helps to slough away dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover for brighter, more even-toned skin. The use of hyaluronic acid moisturizers and serums can also provide deep hydration which leads to a healthy-looking complexion. Together, these natural methods may be able to provide enough results in lieu of using hydroquinone or kojic acid.