Ingredient #1: Arbutin 2%

Arbutin is a compound of hydroquinone and D-glucose that is mainly found in plants such as wheat, pear and bearberry. For over 30 years, Arbutin has been extensively studied as an alternative of hyroquinone for skin lightening purposes. Various studies had shown that Arbutin acts by competing against the tyrosinase enzyme, thus binding itself on the L-tyrosine site and inhibiting melanogenesis. This results in the reduction of pigmentation caused by melanin on the human skin.

Ingredient #2: Niacinamide 5%

Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide or Vitamin B3, is a type of water soluble vitamin. It has anti-inflammatory and sebum reducing properties, thus beneficial as a topical formulation for acne. Niacinamide acts by decreasing the transfer of melanosomes (organelles which synthesize and store melanin pigments) from melanin-forming cells to the surrounding keratin-producing cells, thus reducing pigmentation. A study had found out that there is a 35-68 percent inhibition of melanosome transfer when Niacinamide 5% moisturizer is used. Other than that, in a randomized controlled trial involving 130 patients, Nicotinamide 2% moisturiser significantly reduced sebum excretion rates when compared to a placebo moisturiser. Another study found out that there is a reduction of inflammatory papules in 82% of those treated with 4% nicotinamide after 8 weeks of treatment.

Ingredient #3: Glutathione

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is produced by the liver. It could also be found invarious foods such as asparagus, potatoes and carrots. Glutathione prevents and delays cell damage,and it has anti-melanogenic properties. Gluthathione leads to the production of sulfhydryl-dopa conjugates, which is formed by the reactions between thiol groups and dopaquinone. This in turn shifts the melanogenesis from eumelanin (Brown-Black Melanin) to phaeomelanin (Red-Yellow Melanin), resulting in less pigmentation, thus brightening the skin. One of the studies in a systematic review had found out that both oral and topical glutathione could brighten skin colour in sun-exposed area.

Ingredient #4: Saxifraga sarmentosa Extract

Saxifraga sarmentosa is a popular garden flower that could be found in China, Japan and Korea. The extract has antixodant properties which could protect the skin from free radicals in the environment. It also has skin-whitening effects, and could tone and tighten the skin with its astringent properties.

Ingredient #5: Paeonia suffruticosa Seed Oil

This novel vegetable oil exhibits antioxidant properties, whereby it protects living cells from damage caused by free radicals from the environment. This is important to preserve and maintain a healthy, undamaged skin.

Ingredient #6: Scutellaria baicalensis Root Extract.

Scutellaria baicalensis is a plant has been used as a traditional medicine in China for more than 2000 years, and modern research has shown that it has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. In a research published by World Health Organization (WHO), the extract of this plant could increase skin metabolism and skin elasticity, contributing to the anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects.

There you have it, 6 key ingredients in The Raw. Arbutin 2% Serum that would work wonders on the skin! You can get everything that your skin needs in just one drop of the serum! The Raw. Arbutin 2% Serum is available at a retail price of RM44.90 for a 30ml bottle. Get yours now from the official The Raw. Shopee and other trusted dropships.

It is recommended to use The Raw. Arbutin 2% serum day and night after using toner, and before using moisturiser. Use the dropper to apply the serum on the face and gently pat until it is fully absorbed. Do not forget your sunscreen! Patience and consistency are the keys towards having a healthy skin!

A word of advice from your fellow pharmacist: Bear in mind that those who are pregnant/planning to get pregnant are not advised to use this serum, as Arbutin is broken down into a small amount of hydroquinone in the body. Kindly seek the consultation from your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to use this product, or you can use other products with skin-brightening properties as an alternative, such as The Raw. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 20% Serum!