InstaNatural

InstaNatural Skin Lightening Cream

Name: InstaNatural - Skin Lightening Cream
Brand: InstaNatural

Efficacy91/100IrritancyLow

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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

5 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Paired with Niacinamide, Caffeine and our NASA Stem Cell Technology, our cream improves overall skin tone and clarity while providing moisture and nourishment.Minimizes the appearance of sun spots and hyperpigmentation Provides lightweight hydration to balance and nourish the skin Refines the skin to smooth uneven tone and texture Energizes the skin for increased brightness and radiance Decreases the appearance of fine lines and dehydration”

Source: Insta natural

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.7–4.1%

Camellia sinensis leafEffect: LowGreen tea leaf powder that might contain antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.5–1.15%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.2–0.75%

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~0.35–0.85%

3-glyceryl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA moisturizing vitamin C derivative. It is considered to be one of the most stable ones. It is effective in neutralizing free radicals and can help to even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration~0.35–0.75%

Evens skin tone

6 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Our Skin Lightening Cream combines Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C and Glutathione to brighten the look of hyperpigmentation, sun spots and scarring on the skin.”

Source: Insta natural

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione, glycolic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.7%

Camellia sinensis leafEffect: LowGreen tea leaf powder that might contain antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.5–1.15%

3-glyceryl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA moisturizing vitamin C derivative. It is considered to be one of the most stable ones. It is effective in neutralizing free radicals and can help to even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration~0.35–0.75%

Moisturizing

13 ingredients credited for this claim

Good support

What the product description says

“Paired with Niacinamide, Caffeine and our NASA Stem Cell Technology, our cream improves overall skin tone and clarity while providing moisture and nourishment.Minimizes the appearance of sun spots and hyperpigmentation Provides lightweight hydration to balance and nourish the skin Refines the skin to smooth uneven tone and texture Energizes the skin for increased brightness and radiance Decreases the appearance of fine lines and dehydration”

Source: Insta natural

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, polyglutamic acid.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl alcohol.

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%

Polyglutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.~0.1–0.4%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.1–1.6%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.8–5.7%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.1–0.45%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.5–2.2%

Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~1.7–2.5%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~4.6–7%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.05–0.25%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (glutathione) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Camellia sinensis leafKey activeEffect: MediumGreen tea leaf powder that might contain antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.5–1.15%

CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.15–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

10 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 10 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~2.7–4.1%est.

3-glyceryl ascorbateA moisturizing vitamin C derivative. It is considered to be one of the most stable ones. It is effective in neutralizing free radicals and can help to even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentrationHigh~0.35–0.75%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.8–5.7%est.

Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~1.7–2.5%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~1.3–1.9%est.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~0.35–0.85%est.

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.5–2.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glyceryl stearate~4.6–7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.8–5.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Glycolic acid~2.7–4.1%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid

Propanediol~2.1–3.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Olea europaea fruit oil~1.7–2.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil

Cetearyl alcohol~1.5–2.2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Cetearyl glucoside~1.3–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Glycerin~1.1–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Zingiber officinale root~0.85–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Zingiber officinale root

Culture conditioned media

Not recognized

Camellia sinensis leaf~0.5–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Green tea leaf powder that might contain antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Camellia sinensis leaf

Culture conditioned media

Not recognized

Lentinus edodes mycelium extract~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lentinus edodes mycelium extract

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.35–0.85%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

3-glyceryl ascorbate~0.35–0.75%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

A moisturizing vitamin C derivative. It is considered to be one of the most stable ones. It is effective in neutralizing free radicals and can help to even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration

More about 3-glyceryl ascorbate

Glutathione~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin tone

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Niacinamide~0.2–0.75%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Caffeine~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract

Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Polyglutamic acid~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.

More about Polyglutamic acid

Cetyl alcohol~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Lecithin~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Sclerotium gum~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Pentylene glycol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Ingredient list view

Water, Glyceryl stearate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycolic acid, Propanediol, Olea europaea fruit oil, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Glycerin, Zingiber officinale root, Unknown, Camellia sinensis leaf, Unknown, Lentinus edodes mycelium extract, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, 3-glyceryl ascorbate, Glutathione, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract, Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Polyglutamic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Lecithin, Sclerotium gum, Benzyl alcohol, Pentylene glycol

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Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	InstaNaturalSkin Lightening CreamYOUR PRODUCT	MuldreamBrightening Glow Facial Cream	BonjourGreen Tea Water Bomb Cream	MeditimeMelaban Cream
Match	—	77%	73%	72%
Price	$18.00	$18.93+$0.93	$16.00−$2.00	$31.40+$13.40
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 10	5 of 10	6 of 10
Key difference	—	Vitamin C	Sh-Octapeptide-4	Madecassoside
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	High
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

1
Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
4
Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamagencbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacysciencedirect.com
8
Safety and Efficacy of Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate (Amitose DGA) to Prevent Hand-Foot Skin Reaction in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Sunitinib Therapy: Protocol for a Phase I/II, Uncontrolled, Single-Arm, Open-Label Trialresearchprotocols.org
9
3‐O‐Glyceryl‐2‐O‐hexyl ascorbate suppresses melanogenesis by interfering with intracellular melanosome transport and suppressing tyrosinase protein synthesisonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
3‐O‐Laurylglyceryl ascorbate improves the development of sensitive skin through the reduction of oxidative stressonlinelibrary.wiley.com
11
Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversiesijdvl.com
12
Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Glutathione for skin lightening for dermatologists and cosmetologistsijord.com
14
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
18
γ‐Polyglutamic Acid Produced by Bacillus Subtilis (Natto): Structural Characteristics, Chemical Properties and Biological Functionalitiesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
19
Natural and edible biopolymer poly‐γ‐glutamic acid: synthesis, production, and applicationsonlinelibrary.wiley.com

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