Ingredients for Even Skin Tone

James Fulton was a dermatologist who devoted his life to skin disorders. He passed away in 2013 but he left behind a legacy. He co-developed Retin A® setting the gold standard for the treatment of acne and aging and changing the skincare industry forever. In addition to the Retin A®, he is responsible for the most widely used acne treatment available, Benzoyl Peroxide.

Today, his family members are part of the skincare company he founded called Vivant Skincare. The skincare products are derived from many years of research by Dr. Fulton and his staff.  Below are some ingredients used in Vivant Skincare for uneven skin tone.  These are multi-tasking skincare ingredients that help with brightening and have many benefits for the skin:

Green Tea Extract

This powerful antioxidant is known for its gentle cell-renewing and photoprotective effects, but it also has powerful melanin-inhibiting properties. The high concentration of polyphenols in green tea inhibits the synthesis and proliferation of melanin. In a study that compared the effects of white, black, and green tea to the depigmenting agent arbutin, the tea extracts exhibited superior anti-melanogenic effects.

Aloe

You know it as a healer, but aloe contains a melanin-inhibiting compound called aloesin, which makes it a brightener as well. Whole leaf aloe extract has been shown to significantly reduce the accumulation of melanin. Aloe also contains cinnamic acid, a natural exfoliator that clears away dead cells to help lift pigment.

MANDELIC ACID

Mandelic acid enhances brightness in two ways. It inhibits the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase to block pigment from forming. And it helps lift existing pigment by exfoliating dead cells from the surface. Mandelic acid’s larger molecular structure means it’s absorbed more slowly by the skin, so it’s less likely to irritate. That makes it ideal for dark or sensitive skin prone to hyperpigmentation. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

 NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide blocks melanin from reaching the skin’s surface and prevents additional UV damage. Its cell renewing properties can also help speed the reduction of existing pigmentation. Niacinamide is an all-around advocate for healthy skin, boosting ceramide production, contributing to healthy cell function, reducing inflammation, and promoting even tone.

 LACTIC ACID

Often used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and acne scars, this gentle acid works by dissolving the proteins binding dead skin cells together to speed cell turnover, boost renewal, and slough excess pigment from the skin’s surface. Lactic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture in, leaving skin feeling hydrated and exceptionally soft. It’s perfect for reactive or sensitive skin. In higher concentrations or when combined with vitamin A, its effects can be quite dramatic.

KOJIC ACID

Kojic acid is a natural skin brightening compound derived from mushrooms. It targets pigmentation at the dermal level by inhibiting tyrosinase to block melanin synthesis. It also helps disperse surface-level pigment by exfoliating dead skin cells and stimulating renewal. 

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A brightens skin by accelerating cell turnover to remove surface-level pigmentation. It also disrupts the oxidative process induced by environmental stressors to prevent and repair cellular damage. As a bonus, vitamin A boosts collagen production, thickens, and firms the skin. Vitamin A is often used in combination with other AHA brighteners to maximize results.