Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum Review
- Salicylic Acid: a beta hydroxy acid that can penetrate oily skin to exfoliate dead skin cells, open clogged pores, and zap pimples before date night (Soleymani, 2018)
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): you know it, you love it - pure vitamin C helps brighten, protect, and stimulate collagen production. However, it's unclear if this is L-ascorbic acid as AA comes in two chiral forms: L-ascorbic acid and D-ascorbic acid (Telang, 2013)
- 1% Hexylresorcinol (Synovea): the hexyl derivative of resorcinol (also a skin lightening agent) with tyrosinase-inhibiting properties. A manufacturer's study showed that 0.5% hexylresorcinol was compareable to 2% hydroquinone (INCIdecoder)
Now, it's time to address the elephant in the room: the high number of negative reviews.
After reviewing the positive and negative feedback, I believe the problem (if you can call it that) is the sheer strength of this product.
They really weren't kidding about "Ultra-Potent" Brightening Serum!
To avoid side effects like chemical burns, excessive peeling, breakouts, and discoloration, follow the sound advice of one responsible reviewer named Sarah:
- Use sparingly and always patch test
- Avoid the sensitive areas around your eyes, nose, and lips
- Apply generous amounts of moisturizer
- Apply generous amounts of sunscreen
Our Verdict: Combine the power of vitamin C with 6 additional brightening and exfoliating agents with no hydroquinone, parabens, or fragrances to treat severe hyperpigmentation like melasma, age spots, and uneven tone. Admire My Skin is the most popular dark spot corrector (but be careful as this product is seriously potent).