Product Recommendation: Oleda Super Skin Lightening Gel

Combining 2% lactic acid, 3% glycolic acid, and 2% kojic acid in an aloe vera concentrate base, Oleda Super Skin Lightener Gel looks a promising skin lightener. It is designed to treat brown spots, age spots, discolorations and blotches on the face, neck, hands and body. It comes in 3 sizes: 2oz, 4oz,and 8oz. The witch hazel and aloe vera content together make for a soothing skin treatment with a liquidy texture.

Kojic acid (the main active ingredient) is a fantastic skin lightener because of it's strong ability to inhibit melanin. Though it may not be as gentle as botanical extracts like bearberry, mulberry or licorice, it is one of more effective lighteners. It acts very much like hydroquinone, however without the risk of being cytotoxic to skin cells. Kojic Acid at 2% has been proven to decrease the amount of melanin in the skin's content at a significant rate if used for a long span of time.

The lactic acid and glycolic acid together with the kojic acid will yield a synergistic skin lightening process. The rapid sloughing off old dead skin cells with more melanin (by the lactic and glycolic acid) will quickly be replaced by lighter ones (by the kojic acid).

I would imagine, like with most lighteners, the Oleda Super Skin Lightening Gel would work very well when combined with a retinoid. Using a retinoid with a lightener like this can be tricky since it has AHAs, but it can be done, and the results can be tenfold in terms of skin lightening.

Another feature I like about Oleda's Super Skin Lightening Gel is the fact that it is oil-free and judging from the ingredients won't be too problematic at all for most skin types. Lactic acid (at this gentle concentration) as well as glycolic acid will promote cell turnover rate which will help with the clearing of blocked pores. Also, witch hazel (a popular skin toner ingredient) can help with pore issues.

I recommend this lightener to anyone who is looking to fade discolorations, or is looking for a lightener. Using with an rx retinoid would be the best route, as kojic acid and tretinoin together would be very similar to hydroquinone + tretinoin, which is touted as the ultimate skin lightening combination in the dermatology world. You also can't beat the price and variety of size choices. The Oleda Super Skin Lightening Gel runs for about $18.50 (for 2oz) and can be purchased through Amazon.com, as well as the official Oleda website. =)

Ingredients:
Whole Lead Aloe Vera Concentrate, Purified Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, 3% glycolic acid, 2% kojic acid, 2% lactic acid, Witch hazel extract, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Propylparaben.