Improve dull, uneven and discoloured complexion and sun-induced melasma.

Now with Ectoin and Betaine.

Dark pigmentation can be caused by a number of things: hormonal changes, spots, cuts, UV light and hundreds of drugs can cause it too. It tends to be more prevalent as we age and begins deep in the skin, where the melanin is stored. Melanin is triggered when skin is damaged and it travels up to the surface where it becomes a dark spot or a mottled appearance. This can be treated in a variety of ways and a multi-pronged solution is often most successful to address both the production and transfer of unwanted melanin on to the skin’s surface. 

This formulation helps address both uneven colour and skin texture. We use three naturally-derived ingredients: a-arbutus, azelaic, and kojic acids. These are quite gentle and can help prevent the process whereby tyrosinase stimulates the over-production of excess melanin. Tetrahydrocurcumin is used to reduce the oxidative stress that increases sunlight-induced hyperpigmentation. Used with niacinamide, it helps inhibit the melanin transfer into skin cells. A-arbutin (derived from bearberry), is safe and effective, as it slowly releases hydroquinone. (Concentrated hydroquinone is used to treat hyper-pigmentation under medical supervision.) 

Vitamins A,C,E and hyaluronic acid keep a healthy lipid/water balance and reduce the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). If the skin becomes dry, dark patches can look worse. We have introduced Ectoin and betaine as super-hydrators to keep skin supple and bright. Skin can become more sensitive to sunlight when using this serum - a broad-spectrum sun cream is always advised, when outside in sunshine.

Academic research

Chandorkar et al; April 2021 - Alpha Arbutin Skin Lightening.

Saeedia et al; Feb 2019 - Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations.

Demirkan Et al; May 2017 Retrospective Analysis of Endemic Melasma Patients

Debabrata Bandyopadhyay; Dec 2009 - TOPICAL TREATMENT of MELASMA

A S Breathnach; Jan 1996 -melasma, topical treatment with azelaic acid, and other therapies

Hakozaki et al (Proctor&Gambol); Aug 2002-  Niacinamide…suppression of melanosome-transfer.

Paul Matts; Jan 2002 - The range of effects of niacinamide in human skin.

Ingredients: Rose Damascene distilled flower water; Glycerin; Lonicera japonica flower extract; Decyl oleate;  Niacinamide; Prunus Amygdalus dulcis oil; Betaine, Urea; a-Tocopherol oil; Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate; Punica granatum seed oil; Cetyl alcohol; Ectoin, Soy lecithin; Argania Spinosa Kernel oil; Glyceryl stearate; Panthenol; a-arbutin; Tetrahydrocurcumin; Kojic acid; Rosa Canina fruit oil, Hyaluronic acid; Azaleic acid; Xanthan gum; Phenoxyethanol & ethyl hexyl glycerin, caprylyl glycol; Sodium hyaluronate; Ferulic acid; Aloe Barbadensis leaf powder(1/200); Triethanolamine. Citrus limon fruit oil; Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Illicium verum fruit oil; Daucus carota sativa seed oil (carrot); Limonene, Citronellol; Geraniol; Geranyl acetate.