The rest of the Nadinola Fade Cream formula consists of emollients, which are ingredients that help to soften and moisturize skin. The brand uses a mix of natural and synthetic emollients.

While OTC skin brightening products don’t have the dangers of skin lightening creams that a doctor prescribes, they take longer to work because they’re not as strong. Products formulated with natural and evidence-based ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice extract, glycolic acid, and paper mulberry are still effective (and safer). Still, it takes around a couple of months to start to see visible results. He says, "The best prevention is using high-grade SPF, using SPF50 at least, and something that protects you from UVA, UVB and also thinking of things that can protect you from blue light. There isn't a lot of research to support that it can cause pigmentation but I think just logically we are in front of screens so much these days you wonder whether research later on in life will show it can actually cause pigmentation."Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology, adds, “Unfortunately, topical treatments have limited use in treating acne scars, and physical modalities, like lasers, are often needed.”

But that’s not the only impressive feature. A triple peptide blend supports the benefits of retinol while strengthening the skin. You’ll also find xanthophylls, potent carotenoids that exert a powerful defense against aging, environmental stressors, and blue (HEV) light emitted from electronics — that’s something most of us can get on board with. Skin Lightening Creams: The Bottom Line Although this lotion won’t lighten the tone of your skin by several shades, we still think it works wonders for brightening up the overall complexion and helping against pesky blemishes. However, it’s crucial to decipher the good from the potentially harmful skin-lightening products. Not sure where to begin? No problem. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, nine of the best skin whitening creams to help you safely fade discoloration. How to Choose the Best Whitening Creams While some topical treatments may help to lighten the marks, with unprotected sun exposure the marks can darken again,“ she explains. Zeichner explains, “ Inflammation in the skin tells our pigment-producing cells to become overactive, explaining why pimples leave behind dark spots.”

Best Pigmentation Cream Shortlist

Reviewers say the tranexamic acid helps with lightening melasma and hyperpigmentation. Some claim this product works better than other ones they tried with the same active ingredients. Furthermore, niacinamide can reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, according to a publication in the British Journal of Dermatology. To speed up the process of lightening acne scars, Graf suggests using products with active ingredients, like AHA and vitamin C. Here’s why we love niacinamide: A publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology , states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology

Sifting through all the acne scar products available can get frustrating. There are slews to choose from. It’s a good idea to visit your dermatologist before you start a routine with your new OTC routine for acne scars. The most important thing you should know about the Alpha Dual Action Skin Lightener is that it is not a fade cream for those who suffer from sensitive skin. If you are someone who may be prone to irritation and redness, perhaps you should skip on this one and resort to a fade cream that is gentler. One thing we like the most about this set is that you can buy each product separately, allowing you to choose which product you feel you’d get the most use from, while ultimately cutting the cost. Derived from the bearberry plant, when used in a 1-2% concentration, alpha-arbutin can be one of the most effective natural skin lighteners. It works similarly to kojic acid by inhibiting tyrosinase enzymes.The toner contains salicylic acid, which is known to help reduce breakouts and fade discoloration caused by breakouts. As potent as this stuff is, you can be in control of how powerful it is by following these dos and don'ts to a T. Best budget pigmentation cream: Garnier 3.5% Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Brightening and Anti Dark Spot Serum AKA, pro-vitamin B3, niacinamide fights acne, balances oil, calms inflammation, boosts ceramides, fights free radicals, and (of course) lightens. Products formulated with natural and evidence-based ingredients such as those below are still effective (and safer). Still, it takes around a couple of months to start to see visible results.

Judging from the side effects and warnings, one can make a simple guess on whether a product is safe enough to use. If you’re still unsure, the best way to determine a product’s excellence is by considering that the fewer side effects and warnings mean fewer complications when using.

Reviewers say the glycolic acid keeps their skin soft while fading some dark spots, and it even improves their skin texture. Remember, no matter which type of cream or treatment option you choose, consistency is vital to achieving optimal results. Oma Agbai, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Health Sciences Clinical Professor at the University of California, Davis Medical Center