In previous conversations with dermatologists, we learned that skin hyperpigmentation is fairly common. But unlike your run-of-the-mill sun spots, melasma is arguably one of the most clingy and temperamental skin conditions to treat. That makes today’s discovery of a Korean treatment cream all the more impressive. Not only does it come with a host of convincing endorsements attesting to its dark spot-fading abilities — and it’s 30% today on Amazon.
Its skin care magic lies in the ingredients.
Like all skin care products of magical proportions, it’s all about the ingredients. This Tosowoong cream contains a 7% concentration of arbutin, an antioxidant with brightening properties that works by inhibiting the over-production of melanin in the skin, which causes hyperpigmentation. It contains other well-trusted ingredients in the world of melasma care, one of which is 4% tranexamic acid, which is revered for its ability to reduce pigmentation associated with melasma, without causing any kind of irritation.
There’s also niacinamide, a workhorse antioxidant that you’re most likely already familiar with. If you’re not, just know that this all-skin-concerns ingredient can reduce redness, acne, and, most notably, brighten the complexion.
It goes on gentle and lightweight.
All of the above-named ingredients are packed into a gentle and light-textured cream that also promises to soothe and hydrate as it treats. For many Tosowoong users, this combination has yielded noticeable results, and in some cases, better results than anything else they’ve tried. Not only that, but one reviewer said they noticed a difference in their hyperpigmentation in as little as two to three weeks.
“I really love this cream, this is very smooth, has lightweight texture that absorbs easily, it doesn’t feel sticky. it has a light scent. My sunspots are fading and lighter, and my skin tone is more even. Very effective it leaves my skin looks more even and brighter, every time I use it.
This cream dry my skin because it contain retinol, and I need to keep very moisturized to avoid the flaking, itching drying. Great and effective cream for hyperpigmentation, at a great price only 25 for 1.69 oz” — Jeimy Walqui“After being told by dermatologist that he could prescribe a $100 dollar cream my insurance would not cover and it may or may not work but I had to use it for a minimum of 4 months, I decided to give this a try. The reviews inspired me and I want to say that after 3 weeks I can very much notice a difference. Since the first few days my face felt so much better. I’ve been using for 3 weeks in combination with VALITIC Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap Bars with Vitamin C, Retinol, Collagen, Turmeric
I wash my face first with the soap before bed and I apply this cream once a day. I can def see how my face glows and the spot that I didn’t like is getting much better. I had to stop applying to my favorite freckles because they started to get opaque. I don’t want those to go away. See pic and buy now! It’s totally a great price!! 3 weeks in and about a third of the tube gone.” — Miriam martinez
“Starting to see some fading of brown age spots after about 4 weeks of use. My skin definitely looks brighter. A little goes a long way and make sure you let dry before you add something on top of it otherwise it may pill on your skin. I will definitely repurchase.” — LeslieC
If you’re curious about the products that worked to treat senior shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe’s melasma and hyperpigmentation, take a look at her collection below from previous HuffPost coverage.
Amazon
A potent serum worth every penny
As I noted in previous coverage where I sung the praises of this serum, it was my aesthetician who recommended I added iS Clinical Super Serum to my lineup, and now I can’t imagine my skin without it. is an oil-based vitamin C-rich serum that not only has the potential to help reduce typical signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but can help to reduce scarring as well. The key is a combination of 15% L-asorbic acid with copper tripeptide growth factors, the latter being a protein molecule that stimulates and accelerates skin regeneration and repair. Along with a couple of other ingredients, these two wonder actives work in tandem to stimulate collagen, smooth uneven pigmentation and even promote healing.
Even before the onset of pregnancy melasma, I had a fair amount of sun damage on my cheeks, and with regular use of the serum, I’ve found that it has blurred. Most noticeable, though, is the effect it’s had on my old acne scarring. I don’t have deep pocket scarring; mine look more like freckles or uneven patchiness. Even longstanding old marks are significantly faded now, while newer ones have been almost completely erased. I’ve kept in in rotation and can’t imagine a skin care regime without it. It’s worth every penny.
Sephora
A trio of products developed to target and fade hyperpigmentation
While I firmly believe that it was the use of all the products on this list that helped significantly reduce my melasma, I give the most credit to these three items from Dr. Idriss. Available for individual purchase or as a set of three, this kit is a one-stop shop for fading hyperpigmentation that includes a brightening serum, vitamin C moisturizer and an AHA mask.
The Major Fade Hyper serum has a really lightweight, dewy finish that makes the skin look illuminated upon immediate application, while hardworking ingredients that include alpha arbutin, kojic acid and niacinamide can help to fade long-term discoloration and nourish the skin.
Major Fade Active Seal moisturizer is chock-full of vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its brightening prowess. The addition of 4-Butylresorcinol gives it the power to help visibly fade hyperpigmentation while ceramides provide moisture and hydration.
The Major Fade Flash mask, while not intended for daily use, is a must in a spot fading regime. It’s made with glycolic acid, lactic acid and tranexamic acid, which work together to exfoliate, smooth, even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It’s the sleeper hit of the trio.
I’ve seen the biggest changes in smy skin since I started using these products religiously. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to melasma, and these products have been absolute game-changers all around. Not only is my skin brighter and clearer, but it’s soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. You can get the starter kit with smaller sizes at Sephora or a set of full-size products at Dr. Idriss.
Amazon
A serum one TikToker called “filler in a bottle”
HuffPost readers love a high-quality skin care product that can replace pricey facial treatments, like this K-beauty serum that one beauty TikToker calls “filler in a bottle.” Its prowess is attributed to an ingredient called PDRN, which is widely used in injectables overseas. It has anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing capabilities that can improve skin firmness and leave recipients with a telltale glow. It’s usually extracted from salmon sperm cells, but Iope’s serum has a completely vegan, plant-based formula that is as unique as it is effective.
Additional ingredients like niacinamide, probiotics and caffeine round out this repairing formulation — all ingredients that are beloved by HuffPost editors and readers alike. It’s such a great product that it was awarded a HuffPicks seal of approval.
I have covered countless serums in my many years of beauty reporting, but this one covers all my must-have bases. I’ve been using it for about about three months and have noticed that my skin is significantly more hydrated, glowy and bouncy. It might not directly be contributing to the active fading of melasma, but the all around brightening and glowy effect has made a big difference in my overall appearance. I’m a convert for life!
Amazon
A powerful retinal that doesn’t strip the skin
After finally connecting the dots between prescription tretinoin and my recurring bouts of perioral dermatitis, I was reticent to add a retinol back into my routine — but the popular Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 has been a great addition to my repertoire. It’s a mid-level strength that is powerful enough to be effective but gentle enough to use in tandem with all my other products without negatively affecting my skin.
I had long heard people rave about this highly-rated serum, and now that I’ve been using it consistently, I can’t say I’m surprised. It leaves my skin looking and feeling great. Not only does it address typical signs of aging like wrinkles and texture quickly and efficiently, but it’s also helped to round out my anti-hyperpigmentation routine without stripping my skin of moisture or being overly harsh. The formula is balanced with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep skin supple, soft, smooth and hydrated.
Amazon
A jar of AHA toner pads
Few items have impressed me quite as much as these cult-favorite toning facial pads. I’ve ditched most of my traditional AHA serums for these bad boys, and my skin has never looked better. These Medicube pads are designed to help exfoliate, balance and brighten skin, reducing oil production, minimizing breakouts and refining the look of pores. They are formulated with powerful alpha and beta hydroxy acids like white willow bark, vitamin C and calming botanical extracts like lavender to soothe skin.
The pads are thoroughly saturated with liquid (which cannot be said for comparable items), so there is enough product to treat my entire face, neck and chest. Each pad has a textured side and a smooth side, and I love that the container includes tweezers to pull each pad out without contaminating the rest.
I’ve noticed that my skin is softer, smoother and has a really noticeable glow. Most importantly, I’ve detected a decrease in the melasma that has plagued my since pregnancy. They’re incredibly potent, and it’s very obvious to me why they’re so popular. I’ve tried out other exfoliating pads and can confidently say that these are just as, if not more, effective at a fraction of the price.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
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