Representatives of common active ingredients in whitening essences

Ingredient representative 1: vitamin C and its derivatives; vitamin E; symwhite377 (phenylethylresorcinol); arbutin; kojic acid; tranexamic acid

Acts on the source to inhibit melanin production – The first step in inhibiting melanin production is to reduce skin crisis. The whitening essence contains these ingredients, which can play an antioxidant role and eliminate free radicals, so that the skin does not need to ask melanocytes for help and will naturally not produce melanin.

Disadvantages: Vitamin E needs to be stored away from light; symwhite377 is easily oxidized; vitamin C and its derivatives are easy to decompose when exposed to light, so try to use it at night; use kojic acid with caution on sensitive skin; use Tranexamic Acid and need to wear sunscreen.

Ingredient Representative 2: Niacinamide

Functions to block melanin formation and transfer – after melanin is produced in cells, the corpuscles will be transported along melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes, affecting skin color. Melanin transport blockers can reduce the transmission speed of corpuscles to keratinocytes and reduce the melanin content of each epidermal cell layer, thereby achieving whitening effects.

Disadvantages: If the concentration is too high, it will be irritating. Some people are sensitive to it and may experience redness and stinging. Avoid using it with acids such as fruit acid and salicylic acid, because in acidic conditions, niacinamide is more likely to decompose to produce niacin, which can cause irritation. People with sensitive skin should pay attention to this ingredient and buy whitening essence.

Ingredient representative 3: Retinol; fruit acid

Acts on accelerating the metabolic process of melanin decomposition – by softening the stratum corneum, accelerating the shedding of dead stratum corneum cells and promoting epidermal metabolism, so that the melanosomes that enter the epidermis will fall off with the rapid renewal of the epidermis during the metabolic process, thereby alleviating the Effect on skin color.

Disadvantages: Fruit acids are irritating to the skin, so use with caution on sensitive skin. Frequent use may damage the skin barrier. Retinol is highly irritating and may cause peeling, dryness, and itching when used for the first time. It is also a derivative of vitamin A. Pregnant women cannot use this type of ingredient.