Three ways to fade, one even tone.
Pigmentation forms in steps: skin makes melanin, then passes it up to the surface. This serum pairs Alpha Arbutin and Licorice, both studied for slowing melanin production, with Niacinamide, researched for limiting how much of that pigment reaches the surface. Here is what the published literature describes.
Slow
Alpha-arbutin is documented as inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that drives melanin production, reducing melanin synthesis in human skin models.1,2
Calm
Glabridin, a key compound in licorice, is reported to inhibit tyrosinase and to have anti-inflammatory activity.3
Limit
Niacinamide is documented for reducing the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells.5
Alpha Arbutin
Arbutin is a compound found naturally in plants such as bearberry, and alpha-arbutin is its alpha form, used in skincare for its brightening effect. A review in Antioxidants describes arbutin and its derivatives as skin depigmenting agents with both anti-melanogenic and antioxidant properties.1
In laboratory work on cultured human melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin model, alpha-arbutin reduced melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity.2 This is the basis for its use against dark spots, acne marks and uneven tone.
Licorice Extract
Licorice root has a long history in skincare, and research has focused on glabridin, one of its key compounds. In a study published in Pigment Cell Research, glabridin inhibited tyrosinase activity in pigment cells and reduced UVB-induced pigmentation and redness in skin.3
The same study reported anti-inflammatory activity, which matters because inflammation is one of the triggers behind marks left after breakouts. A systematic review of natural ingredients for hyperpigmentation includes licorice among the botanicals with supporting evidence.4 Alongside these, the formula carries Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid.5
- Boo Y.C. Arbutin as a skin depigmenting agent with antimelanogenic and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants, 2021; 10(7): 1129. doi.org
- Sugimoto K., Nishimura T., Nomura K., Sugimoto K., Kuriki T. Inhibitory effects of α-arbutin on melanin synthesis in cultured human melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin model. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2004; 27(4): 510–514.
- Yokota T., Nishio H., Kubota Y., Mizoguchi M. The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation. Pigment Cell Research, 1998; 11(6): 355–361.
- Hollinger J.C., Angra K., Halder R.M. Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2018; 11(2): 28–37. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Hakozaki T. et al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. British Journal of Dermatology, 2002; 147(1): 20–31.
Research cited above reflects published scientific literature on the individual active ingredients used in this formula. It describes ingredient-level mechanisms, not clinical testing of the finished product. Individual results may vary.
Where it fits in your routine.
Pigmentation fades with consistency. Use it morning and evening as the last step of your routine, and protect your results with sunscreen every day.
Cleanse
Start with a clean face and pat it dry.
Tone
If you use a toner, apply it and let it absorb fully.
This Serum
Apply to the centre of your face and gently massage outward until fully absorbed.
Protect
In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Sun exposure undoes pigmentation progress.
Skin suitability
- Dark spots and pigmentation
- Acne marks
- Uneven or dull skin tone
- Oily skin and visible pores
- All skin types, men and women
- Broken, irritated or freshly treated skin
- Sunburnt skin or skin with an active rash
Results timeline
- Week 1–2Fresher skinSkin feels hydrated and looks more refreshed, with less excess oil.
- Week 4–6More even toneAlpha Arbutin and Licorice work on pigmentation, and tone begins to look more even.
- Week 8+Visibly clearerWith consistent use, dark spots and acne marks look visibly lighter.
Timeframes reflect typical ingredient-level research. Individual results may vary.
Good to know.
How do I use it? +
Can I use it in the morning? +
Is it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin? +
Can I use it with other products? +
When will I see results? +
Other products you can explore.
ExoDensity Hair Serum
GlycoDrops Face Serum
Pure Skin Exosome and PDRN Face Serum
RootFix Shampoo
Pure Skin Vitamin C serum
Pure Skin Retinol Serum
Fungal Care Drops
