Makari Re-formulated?

A lot of people who use Makari or have used Makari's skin lightening products have commented recently on message boards, as well as in messages to me that the products do not give the same effect as before. Now I cannot say anything from experience, since the last time I used Makari was almost 4 years ago when the products were apparently 'good'. Specifically I used the Makari Night Cream and Makari Caviar Cream, in which I did reviews for both of them.

I do remember getting that 'pale undertone' that people are raving about. Some people say 'yellow undertone' but on my cool skin tone it was just a pale color. For some reason, people who use Makari products now aren't getting that light undertone effect. I find it really unusual. Some other people who have used Makari before and got breakouts are now not getting any breakouts, but their skin isn't getting lighter either.

So I decided to contact Makari and ask if any changes were made to the formula (not just the ingredient list, but the concentrations of the actives as well) and they responded with this:

Hi


I did get in touch with the manufacturer. We have no changes in our formula. They are the same ingredients all the time.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.


Best Regards,
Shifra Swimmer
Customer Service Department
Makari De Suisse

That leaves me even more confused. If the actual headquarters of Makari are claiming that no changes have been made, then that leaves me to question a few things.

I must ask the people who use Makari and feel that the effect is not the same if they are using proper sunscreen. As crazy as this sounds, as the years go by the sun is getting more damaging to our skin. UVA rays are slowly getting stronger and stronger, and not wearing good PPD sunscreen can play a role in how light your skin can get (or cannot get if you aren't wearing it everyday, rain or shine).

I also think that looking back at your old skin regimen (not just skin lightening products) can answer some clues.  Perhaps the regimen that was being used before aided in the skin lightening process of Makari. An example can be antioxidants, a particular sunscreen that has exceptional UVA/UVB protection, or penetration enhancers (AHAs, certain peels or masks that were being used at the time that indirectly caused greater efficacy and lighter skin).

Speaking of penetration enhancers, perhaps introducing one into your skin regimen now can help you achieve that undertone/glow that was very apparent before. Use weekly alpha hydroxy (glycolic acid, lactic acid) peels or masks, or using retinoids on top of Makari, using AHA serums/products underneath Makari, L-ascorbic acid (pure Vitamin C is acidic and does create deeper penetration) etc.

Try doing this and looking back and hopefully that radiant glow from before can still be achieved. I know I was pretty astonished by it as well. Makari has the ability to be one of the best skin lightening companies out there, if only they targeted it towards all skin types not just dry or normal.

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