The "whitening" ingredients in this product are arbutin and mulberry root extract. Alpha-arbutin inhibits melanin formation and therefore used to brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. But whether it is safe for topical use has not been fully established. Mulberry (Morus nigra) extract has similar effect and may inhibit melanin production.
The product is quite moisturizing with avacado oil and coconut oil so it is designed for dry skin.
However the safety of this product seems questionable to me. The ingredient propylene glycol is derived from petroleum and used in cosmetics as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. It is used to enhance ingredient penetration and as a humidifying agent. It is easily absorbed through skin and is a potent skin irritant. PG could provoke skin irritation and sensitization at concentration as low as 2%. In fact U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning to avoid skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.
Another ingredient of concern is triehanolamine. Triethanolamine is used in cosmetics as a pH balancer. Like all amines, it has the potential for creating nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are readily absorbed through skin and they have been proved to be strong carcinogen which means it can cause cancers. Whether or not the concentrations used in cosmetics should be of concern is still a matter of debate.
Safety alert: Elevated
review based on scientific information of the product ingredients.
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