Can turmeric and gooseberry reduce dark spots?
These two staples of Indian beauty have made their way into Cyberderm Emblica Light And Bright, an innovative serum that promises to be a safe alternative to hydroquinone.
If you’ve got dark skin, hydroquinone is a no-no. It can give you ochronosis, a bluish discolouration. The worst part? It’s permanent.
Natural extracts don’t do that. But do they have what it takes to treat dark spots or is it all marketing hype? Let’s find out:
What’s In Emblica Light And Bright?
INDIAN GOOSEBERRY AND TURMERIC TO FIGHT WRINKLES AND DARK SPOTS?
Cyberderm claims Indian Gooseberry and Turmeric can lighten abnormal pigment in the skin. I couldn’t find any studies that confirm this. It may just mean that no studies have been done so far, but it’s not a promising start.
Yet, these two natural extracts aren’t useless. They both have strong antioxidants properties that fight free radicals, the nasty molecules that give you dark spots (and wrinkles) in the first place.
By layering antioxidants under your sunscreen, you may be able to prevent dark spots (or, at the very least, slow down their appearance).
Related: How Do Antioxidants Work?
B-WHITE TO FIGHT DISCOLOURATIONS
By the way, you won’t find B-White on the ingredient list. What you’ll see there is Oligopeptide-68 and Hydrogenated Lecithin. In layterms, this peptide is encapsulated in lecithin so that it can penetrate through the skin’s barrier.
If you want to get a bit more sciencey, this stuff inhibits the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase as well as melanin synthesis and decreases the proteins involved in the pigmentation process.
The catch? I can’t find independent studies confirming it works yet. And, as I’ve mentioned, I don’t have dark spots yet, so I can’t vouch for it personally, either. What I can tell you is that it’s a very interesting and new approach to fighting dark spots.
Related: The Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: Which Is The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?
Need help creating an anti-aging routine that really works? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Anti-Aging Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).
Texture
Lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and night, after cleansing.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I’m not the best person to review Cyberderm Emblica Light And Bright. As I’ve mentioned, I don’t have any dark spots to fade away. And the science isn’t much help here, either.
But I can tell you what I’d do if I had dark spots. Unless I had six 0s in my bank account and can afford to try anything and everything, I wouldn’t buy this. It may work, it may not. The science isn’t clear, yet.
That’s just me being cautious. If you’re the type of lady (or gentleman) who gets a kick out of being the first to try the latest skincare innovations, here’s what you can expect.
The serum has a yellowish, lightweight consistency that sinks quickly into the skin, leaving no sticky residue behind.
It’s not that hydrating, but it’s gentle on the skin. Unlike other skin-lightening treatments (hello, hydroquinone!), it doesn’t irritate skin or cause breakouts.
I know it’s disappointing, but that’s all I can tell you for now. As soon as science sheds some light on the new brightening agents used here, I’ll let you know.
Who Is This For?
If you want to be the first to try an innovative skin-lightener, this may be worth a try.
Who Is This NOT For?
For 99% of people, this isn’t worth it. There are more effective (and still gentle) dark spots treatments around.
Packaging
A white tube decorated with pastel geometrical shapes. The pump applicator is practical and releases just the right amount of product you need.
Does Cyberderm Emblica Light And Bright Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Emblica, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a rich polyphenol that helps to correct the appearance of skin discolourations. When combined with the antioxidant turmeric, these two Indian staples provide great brightening of the skin and lightening of abnormal pigment. | I couldn’t find any independent studies proving they can fight dark spots. |
| For women, suffering from melasma, Emblica Light and Bright offers a safe alternative to hydroquinone based formulas. | It is a safer alternative to hydroquinone for all skin types. |
| It is also a great skin brightener for ethnic skin types even for those without any abnormal pigment issues. | Again, science hasn’t proven this yet. |
Price & Availability
$70.00 CAD at The Sunscreen Company
Do You Need It?
No. Let’s wait for science to confirm it works first…
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- Niod Re:Pigment (£28.00)
Ingredients
Aqua, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Emblica Offininalis Fruit, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Oleate, Oligopeptide-68, Tetrahydrodiferulooylmethane, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Glycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA
