Mendoza R.L. The skin whitening industry in the Philippines. J Public Health Policy. 2014; 35(2):219–238. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] With estimates of 43.3% of Saudi women, >60% of Jordanians, and possibly higher usages of SL products in other Middle Eastern countries ( Alrayyes et al., 2020), the demand continues to increase in the Middle East. If you’re interested, we highly recommend you give one of the aforementioned creams a try. They’re all already super popular and loved in Korea, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with these whitening creams too! Niacinamide: This is a form of vitamin B3 and is a popular ingredient in many whitening products. It helps to inhibit the transfer of melanin (pigment) to the skin’s surface, thus reducing the appearance of dark spots and promoting a brighter complexion.

Super-potent corticosteroid agents may result in a number of cutaneous effects, including local immunosuppression leading to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections. However, concerning side effects from systemic absorption include a disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including Cushing syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, and hypertension. Ophthalmologic side effects include glaucoma and cataracts ( Olumide et al., 2008). For preparations containing mercury, systemic concerns may include neuropsychiatric toxicity and nephrotoxicity, as well as pneumonitis, nail dyspigmentation, and mercurial baboon syndrome ( Hamann et al., 2013).

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Mizon has always been popular in Korea for its amazing skincare product ranges. Its Snail Repair Cream is one of the most highly sought-after products in the market. However, if you’re after an effective and affordable whitening cream, it’s Mizon’s Good Night White Sleeping Mask that will give you what you want. Despite the word ‘whitening’, these creams mainly target uneven skin tone. This includes dark spots, hyperpigmentation, blemishes, scars, and simply tanning from excess UV exposure.

Hydroquinone-containing preparations may cause exogenous ochronosis, a paradoxical blue-gray hyperpigmentation due to the deposition of homogentisic acid in the skin ( Ladizinski and Mistry, 2011). Squamous cell carcinoma has also been reported. Systemic absorption may cause peripheral neuropathy, fish odor syndrome, and fetal growth retardation ( Olumide et al., 2008).

10. EnaSkin Dark Spot Corrector

Patting Technique: To enhance absorption, use a gentle patting motion with your fingertips to help the cream penetrate the skin. Colors often considered "shades of white" include cream, eggshell, ivory, Navajo white, and vanilla. Even the lighting of a room, however, can cause a pure white to be perceived as off-white. [1] Let us know in the comments section if you’ve used whitening creams before, and how it has worked out for you! Ingredients: The most important part of a Korean skin whitening cream is the ingredients. These ingredients can include Niacinamide, glutatione or even Vitamin C (usually added in the form of lemon or citrus-based products). They help reduce the products of the enzyme tyrosinase in the skin which helps create melanin. So these melanin-inhibitors are the first things you need to look out for when buying a whitening cream. Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control California Department of Public Health. WARNING: Dangerous skin-lightening creams found in SF Bay area stores [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2020 xxx]. Available at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHIB/CPE/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Comm_MercuryFaceCreams_5_1_14ENG.pdf.

Cestari T., Arellano I., Hexsel D., Ortonne J. Melasma in Latin America: Options for therapy and treatment algorithm. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2009; 23:760–772. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar]Davey E. Illegal skin lightening creams being sold in London [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2020 May 17]. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-35589645. Ojha A. The lure of browns [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2020 xxx]. Available at: https://www.businessworld.in/article/The-Lure-Of-Browns/06-10-2016-106646/. Nella is a well-known brand that boasts a line of products that target common skin problems that everyone experiences. Nella’s Whitening and Brightening Tone-Up Cream consistently tops lists for the best and most effective Korean whitening creams. Shevde N. All’s fair in love and cream: A cultural case study of Fair & Lovely in India. Advert Soc Rev. 2008; 9(2):1–9. [ Google Scholar] Whitening Cream: Take a small amount of the whitening cream using a spatula or your fingertips. Gently apply it to your face, focusing on areas with hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. Massage the cream in circular motions, ensuring even distribution.