Permanent Skin Whitening Creams: Benefits, Risks, and Top Choices

Our skin is the body’s biggest organ, and it undergoes many changes due to hormones, external factors, medical conditions, etc. Many of these things leave the skin dull and pigmented, leading to a loss of self-esteem.

Here is where permanent skin whitening creams rescue you. They contain effective ingredients that reduce the various flaws on the skin, leaving your skin glowing. If this sounds like you, continue reading this article to find the best skin-lightening products.

Understanding Skin Whitening

Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening or skin brightening, is a process that lightens the skin tone and removes hyperpigmentation. It minimises melanin, which is responsible for skin colouration.

There are several safe skin whitening solutions, such as chemical peels, laser treatment, skin whitening shots, topical products, etc. Each method uniquely improves skin tone by removing dark patches, pigmentation, melasma hyperpigmentation, etc. 

Permanent skin whitening creams are a safe solution for all those who want to achieve an even and radiant skin tone. These creams contain effective ingredients, such as kojic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, etc.

Top Permanent Skin Whitening Creams in the Market 

1. Indus Valley Brightening Depigmentation Gel

If you want to steer clear of chemical ingredients and adopt an organic approach to your skin whitening, the Indus Valley gel is what you need. It is infused with all organic ingredients to give you clear and radiant skin. Wheat germ extract is rich in vitamin E, which supports collagen in the skin to keep it youthful. The gel is among the effective skin whitening creams that reduce pigmentation, hydrate the skin, and nourish it. 

Product Name 

• Indus Valley Depigmentation Gel 

Active Ingredients 

• Hyaluronic acid
• Cow Yogurt
• Tea tree oil
• Wheat germ extract
• Rose water
• Grape seed extract
• Mashobra wild honey

Price Range

• Rs. 489

Best For 

• Depigmentation

Pros

• Organic ingredients
• Provides all-round nourishment to the skin
• Non-greasy texture
• Suits all skin types
• Reduces dark spots and pigmentation

Cons

• It may take time to show the results

2. Olay Vitamin C Face Cream with SPF30 

The Olay face cream is infused with niacinamide and vitamin C to give you a radiant complexion. Niacinamide in the cream hydrates the skin, balances the oil production, and also works on skin pigmentation. Vitamin C is another hero ingredient in the cream, which is extensively used in hyperpigmentation treatments. It reduces dark spots, heals the scars, and provides protection to the skin.

Product Name 

• Olay Vitamin C Face Cream

Active Ingredients 

• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide

Price Range

• Rs. 890

Best For 

• Bright skin
• Dark spots
• Pigmentation

Pros

• Free from sulphates and paraben
• Water-resistant
• Contains SPF for sun protection
• Suits all skin types

Cons

• Some users found the cream oily

3. myUpchar Brightening & Whitening Body Cream for Women 

The myUpchar cream is among the most efficient permanent skin whitening creams, as it contains powerful and effective ingredients. Alpha-arbutin is a naturally sourced ingredient that helps to reduce dark spots and brighten the skin. It works by reducing the melanin in the skin, giving it a glow.

Product Name 

• myUpchar Brightening and Whitening Body Cream

Active Ingredients 

• Alpha Arbutin
• Niacinamide
• Kojic acid
• Vitamin C

Price Range

• Rs. 349

Best For 

• Brightening 
• Softening 
• Hydration

Pros

• It suits all skin types
• Evens out skin discolouration
• Free from harmful chemicals
• Oil-free formula
• Hydrates the skin

Cons

• Some users noticed a white cast

4. Keya Seth Aromatherapy “Fair & Bright” Day Cream

This permanent skin-brightening cream contains vitamin C, whose antioxidant properties protect your skin from damage. Niacinamide in the cream reduces hyperpigmentation to give you a bright and even skin tone. The cream also provides sun protection and hydration to the skin, ensuring it remains healthy and young.

Product Name 

• Keya Seth Aromatherapy Fair & Bright

Active Ingredients 

• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Lavender oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Vitamin B6
• Tinosorb M

Price Range

• Rs. 269

Best For 

• Pigmentation

Pros

• It is non-greasy
• Protects from sun
• Moisturises the skin
• Lightens the skin tone

Cons

• Some users found the cream dry

5. Lotus Professional DermoSpa

This uniquely formulated cream consists of Japanese Sakura, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. These properties protect the skin from damage and moisturise it. The Japanese Sakura also lightens the pigmentation on the skin and even the skin tone. White mulberry reduce dark spots, hydration, and acne control, making the skin youthful.

Product Name 

• Lotus Professional Dermospa Japanese Sakura Skin Whitening Illuminating Cream

Active Ingredients 

• White mulberry
• Japanese Sakura

Price Range

• Rs. 709

Best For 

• Skin whitening

Pros

• Regulates melanin production
• Hydrates the skin
• Lightens the complexion
• Fights acne

Cons

• NA

6. Blue Nectar Men’s Face Cream Natural Skin Brightening Cream

The Blue Nectar is among the very few permanent skin-whitening creams for men.  It is a powerhouse of effective ingredients that lighten the skin tone, hydrate it, reduce wrinkles and smoothen the skin. The cream consists of saffron, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It aids in reducing the dark spots, blemishes and scars on the skin. 

Product Name 

• Blue Nectar Men’s Face Cream

Active Ingredients 

• Saffron
• Kumkumadi oil
• Aloe vera
• Gulab
• Mulethi
• Manjistha
• Almond oil, etc.

Price Range

• Rs. 995

Best For 

• Anti-ageing
• Skin brightening

Pros

• Lightweight product
• Fights signs of ageing
• Contains ayurvedic herbs

Cons

• It is more expensive than other products

7. Lotus Organics+ Precious Brightening Cream

Infused with vitamin C and white peony extracts, the Lotus Organics+ cream is a great choice to achieve radiant and healthy skin. The vitamin C content in the cream supports hyperpigmentation treatments and barrier function of the skin, helping to keep it moisturised and healthy. White peony extract is rich in antioxidants, which protect, nourish and improve the skin.

Product Name 

• Lotus Organics+

Active Ingredients 

• Vitamin C
• White Peony extracts

Price Range

• Rs. 620

Best For 

• Dark spots
• Blemishes
• Pigmentation

Pros

• Hydrates the skin
• It evens out the skin tone
• Reduces the scars and spots
• Revives the skin radiance
• Stimulates collagen production

Cons

• High price

8. Lotus Botanicals Vitamin C Skin Brightening Day Cream

Vitamin C is packed with nutrients that support healthy and youthful skin. This is why Lotus Botanicals cream is among the best skin-lightening products. Vitamin C provides plenty of benefits to the skin, such as boosting collagen to make the skin more youthful. It consists of antioxidants that reduce pigmentation and brighten the skin tone.

Product Name 

• Lotus Botanicals

Active Ingredients 

• Vitamin C

Price Range

• Rs. 258

Best For 

• Pigmentation
• Hydration
• Sun protection
• complexion

Pros

• It has a lightweight formula
• Free from paraben and chemicals
• Boosts skin glow
• Protects from sun damage
• Reduces pigmentation and blemishes

Cons

• NA

9. Aroma Magic Vitamin C Skin Brightening Gel

Enriched with effective ingredients, such as liquorice and lemon, this brightening gel can help you achieve your skin goals. Licorice has the natural ability to regulate melanin production, which gives you radiant and even skin. Hence, liquorice is a part of many permanent skin-whitening creams. The antioxidant properties of lemon fight dull skin, making it brighter.

Product Name 

• Aroma Magic Vitamin C Brightening Gel

Active Ingredients 

• Licorice
• Lemon
• Aloe vera
• Cherry extract

Price Range

• Rs. 270

Best For 

• Dull skin
• Skin elasticity
• Hydration
• Brightening 

Pros

• Lemon boosts collagen production
• Aloe vera hydrates the skin
• Promotes skin elasticity
• Treats blemishes
• Keeps the skin moisturised

Cons

• NA

10. DERMDOC 2% Kojic Acid Night Cream 

Want permanent skin-brightening creams for the night? Look no further than the Dermdoc night cream with 2% kojic acid. It reduces the melanin production in the skin, making it light by reducing dark spots, blemishes and melasma. It also contains niacinamide, which works to reduce skin pigmentation and improve hydration.

Product Name 

• Dermdoc 2% Kojic Acid Night Cream

Active Ingredients 

• Kojic acid
• Niacinamide
• Arbutin

Price Range

• Rs. 350

Best For 

• Anti-ageing 
• Skin hydration
• Pigmentation

Pros

• Minimises pores
• Regulates melanin
• Improves the skin texture
• Nourishes the skin

Cons

• NA

How Permanent Skin Whitening Creams Work

Permanent skin-brightening creams contain ingredients or a combination of multiple ingredients that reduce the melanin production in the skin. The cream reduces the number of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin.

Some skin whitening creams also contain hydroquinone, which reduces the number of melanocytes in the skin. You may also find vitamin C most commonly in skin-brightening products, as it is an antioxidant that curbs the melanin production in the skin.

Exfoliants such as glycolic acid also work well to achieve bright skin. It exfoliates the skin by removing the dead cells, leading to a brighter appearance.

Potential Benefits of Skin Whitening Creams

1. Fades away dark spots and pigmentation: The best skin whitening products fade away dark spots and pigmentation on the face by reducing the production of melanin, which causes dark spots.
2. Reduces acne marks: Certain ingredients in skin whitening products, reduce the appearance of acne scars. However, they may not be effective at reducing inflammation.
3. Evens the skin tone: Skin whitening creams reduce the pigmentation in the skin, leading to an even skin tone.
4. Enhances the skin texture: Skin brightening creams also contain ingredients that improve the skin’s texture, making it smooth and soft.

Risks and Safety Concerns

• Mercury Poisoning: Many skin whitening products contain mercury, a highly toxic chemical. Using products with high levels of mercury can lead to mercury poisoning. Some of the symptoms include:

1. Numbness
2. Tingling
3. Dizziness
4. Headaches
5. Depression, etc.

• Dermatitis: Skin whitening products with chemicals can also cause dermatitis, which is an inflammatory condition. The symptoms include the following:

1. Skin ulcers
2. Blisters
3. Redness
4. Rash
5. Swelling
6. Itching, etc.

• Exogenous Ochronosis: This skin disorder is caused by the prolonged usage of whitening products containing hydroquinone. It causes blue-black pigmentation on the face. Using it on larger areas of the body increases the chances of the disorder.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Using skin whitening products with mercury content is known to cause nephrotic syndrome, which results in excessive protein flushing out in the urine. Some symptoms to watch out for are:

1. Fatigue
2. Loss of appetite
3. Swelling around the eyes
4. Foamy urine, etc.

• Steroid Acne: Some products may contain corticosteroids that cause steroid acne in the users. One may notice this acne on the chest. However, they may also appear on the back, arms, and other body parts.

Alternatives to Permanent Skin Whitening Creams

The advancement of science and technology has made many things possible, one of which is skin whitening. Apart from using over-the-counter creams for skin whitening, one may also consider investing in safe skin whitening solutions. However, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before opting for any kind of treatment.

• Medical Treatments

1. Chemical Peel Solution- Under this method, a special solution is used to create an outer layer on the skin. The solution is made with different acids to give you a brighter and even skin tone.
2. Skin Whitening Shots- Another effective way to achieve a lighter complexion is to take skin whitening shots or injections. The injections are prepared by adding various chemicals based on your skin type and then given over a while to see the best results.
3. Microdermabrasion- Under this method, a special tool is used to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin and remove the dead cells. It also improves collagen production and gives you a smooth skin texture. It is a very gentle method that does not require any recovery downtime.

• Natural Remedies

1. Vitamin C- You can consume vitamin C, which is found in green leafy veggies and citrus fruits. It has antioxidant and skin-brightening properties, making it an excellent home remedy.
2. Potato Juice- Another natural remedy for achieving a brighter skin tone is potato juice. It is rich in catecholase, a natural skin-lightening enzyme, which reduces dark spots and pigmentation.
3. Aloe Vera Gel- This natural herb is a powerhouse of nutrients containing vitamins, enzymes, minerals, L-amino acids, etc. It helps to lighten the skin tone and enhance the skin texture too.

• Preventive Measures

1. Consult an Expert- It is best to consult a dermatologist and seek their assistance. Discuss your concerns, skin type, and requirements before using any skin-whitening product.
2. Beware of the Ingredients- Before you try the best skin-lightening products, check the ingredient list for any chemical or toxic substances, such as mercury. Certain ingredients can cause more damage. Hence, it is best to avoid them.
3. Conduct a Patch Test-  It is highly recommended to conduct a patch test on your hands before using the product directly on the face to check for any adverse reactions on the skin.
4. Use Products with Natural Ingredients- To get the best results safely, you must consider using products that contain natural ingredients, such as vitamin C, licorice, kojic acid, etc.

Tips for Choosing Safe and Effective Products

Every skin is different, and so are the concerns. Thus, not all permanent skin whitening creams may be the right one for you. Here are some recommendations for choosing safe and effective products.

• Skin Type: Every skin is different, and so are its requirements. Thus, when you choose a skin-whitening product, take into consideration your skin type and choose a product that is specifically formulated for your skin. 
• Budget: Skin whitening products are available in varying budgets. You must set a budget first and choose the best product that suits your budget.
• Skin Concerns: Analyse your skin concerns, such as pigmentation, acne scars, sun damage, etc. Based on your skin problem, you must opt for a product that contains the right ingredients to address the skin issue.

Conclusion:

It can be a daunting task to find the best permanent skin-brightening creams. However, understanding the skin whitening process and knowing the ingredients and their impact can help you narrow down on the right product. Consider the ingredients, price, skin type and other factors to pick the best product. No matter which product you choose, it is crucial to remain consistent and patient if you want to see the results.

Not a fan of skin-whitening products? You can try natural home remedies to achieve the same results safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can skin whitening creams provide permanent results?

Skin whitening creams can provide long-lasting results if used consistently. The results may be affected due to genetics, lifestyle, underlying medical conditions, sun exposure, etc.

2. Are these creams safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, many skin whitening creams are formulated for sensitive skin. They contain mild ingredients which are gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to consult a dermatologist before using any product.

3. How long does it take to see results?

You may see the results after 4 to 6 weeks if you use the product consistently. However, the time frame for seeing the exact result may vary from one person to another based on various factors.

4. Can I use skin whitening creams on my entire body?

Not all products are safe to be applied to the entire body. Hence, you must consult a doctor before using a skin whitening cream on your body.

5. What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects include mercury poisoning, dermatitis, skin irritation, scarring,  stinging, etc. It is best to conduct a patch test to see any allergic reactions before applying the product to the face.

6. Is there an age limit for using these creams?

There is no age limit to using skin whitening creams. However, experts suggest that children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers avoid using them.

7. Do skin whitening creams work for all skin types and tones?

Skin whitening creams may work differently for different skin tones. One must check with a dermatologist to ensure you are using the right and safe product.

8. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use these products?

Experts advise that children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers must not use the skin-whitening creams as they can have potential side effects.

9. Are there any natural alternatives to creams?

Yes, you can include vitamin C in your diet to get rid of uneven skin tone. You can also consider using face packs made with lemon, honey, yoghurt, etc., to get a radiant skin tone.

10. What should I do if I experience irritation?

The first thing to do is stop using the product. Next, you must try a cool compress on the irritated area to reduce the inflammation. You can also use over-the-counter creams to soothe the skin. However, if the irritation persists or increases, you must immediately consult a dermatologist.

Disclaimer: At Revaff, we strive to keep you informed about the latest trends and products through our genuine research and recommendations. We participate in affiliate programs, which means we may earn a commission when you make a purchase through our links. Please note, we do not accept sponsored placements; all products featured are selected based on merit and thorough research. Revaff is not liable for any claims under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, regarding the products recommended. Always verify product details and suitability before making a purchase.

Permanent Skin Whitening Creams: Benefits, Risks, and Top Choices