Brighten · Fade · Resurface
Hyaluronic & Kojic Acid Brightening Cream
The two-layer dark spot cream. Kojic acid and licorice slow new pigment while glycolic acid clears the marks you can already see.
Hyaluronic & Kojic Acid Brightening CreamMoisturizer: Cream
Niacinamide Complexion SerumSerum: Water-Based
Gentle Oat Milk CleanserCleanser: Creamy, Sulfate-Free
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Details
- Kojic acid and licorice root slow new pigment at the source
- Glycolic acid clears the marks already there and smooths uneven texture
- A moisturizer in one: plant hyaluronic acid, aloe and shea, so there's no extra step
- Centella and green tea help keep skin calm while it works
- Newer marks look lighter in 4 to 6 weeks, older sun spots in about 3 months, with daily SPF
- Targets
- Dark Spots, Uneven Tone, Dullness
- Suited For
- All Skin Types; Patch Test Recommended
- Format
- Moisturizer: Cream
Clinical proof
- Visible improvement in melasma over 3 months of treatment1
- Kojic acid plus glycolic acid outperformed single-agent approaches1
- Significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity after 60 days2
Explore clinical studies
- Garcia A, Fulton JE Jr. Dermatol Surg. 1996;22(5):443-447.
- Pavicic T, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(9):990-1000.
Independent, peer-reviewed studies on the named ingredient, not a clinical trial of this finished formula.
How to use
Patch test first, then apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin every other evening, moving to nightly as tolerated. Wear SPF every morning.
Ingredients
Key ingredients
Kojic Acid (Reishi), Glycolic Acid, Plant-Based Hyaluronic Acid, Licorice
Formulated without
Synthetic Fragrance, Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes, phthalates, silicones, PEGs, MCI/MI, DEA, BHA/BHT, triclosan, lanolin, talc, petrolatum, mineral oil and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic Aloe Vera), Aqua (Deionized Water), Isopropyl Palmitate (Palm Oil), Helianthus Annuus Seed (Sunflower) Oil, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Plant Based Hyaluronic Acid), Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin (Kosher Vegetable), Stearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Organic Shea) Butter, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Ganoderma Lucidum (Organic Reishi/Kojic Acid) Extract, Glycolic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Salix Lucida (Organic Willow/Salicylic Acid) Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Organic Licorice) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Organic Lemon Balm) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Root (Organic Dandelion) Extract, Centella Asiatica (Organic Gotu Kola) Extract, Panax Quinquefolius Root (Ginseng) Extract, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot Essential) Oil, Pimpinella Anisum Seed (Anise) Extract, Cochlearia Armoracia Root (Organic Horseradish) Extract, Schisandra Chinensis (Organic Schisandra) Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit (Fennel) Extract, Geranium Maculatum (Wild Geranium) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Quality standards
Made in the USA
Formulated, manufactured and filled in an FDA-registered, ISO 22716-certified facility.
GMP and third-party tested
Made under Good Manufacturing Practices and checked by independent third-party labs.
Cruelty-free
Never tested on animals.
Ships from the USA
Orders go out the same day or next business day.
Real people, real answers
Email support@dearalchemist.com and someone from our team will reply, usually within the hour.
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The three steps our customers pair most with this formula.
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Dual-pathway brightening cream with kojic acid and glycolic acid that fades dark spots and evens tone in 4 to 6 weeks.
Kojic acid and licorice root interrupt melanin production
At the source
Glycolic acid exfoliates surface-level dark marks
And uneven texture
Hyaluronic acid provides hydration
So brightening actives never feel harsh
Results that build over time
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Weeks 1–2
A smoother, brighter surface
- Glycolic acid gently clears dull surface cells
- Start every other evening as skin adjusts
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Weeks 4–6
Marks visibly fading
- Kojic acid and licorice work on pigment at the source
- Tone looks visibly more even
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Week 12
A clearer, more even complexion
- Results build with consistent use
- Daily SPF keeps new marks from forming
100%of 270 reviewers would recommend it
Key activeKojic Acid
Interrupt the spot, don't bleach it
Reishi-derived kojic acid and licorice interrupt pigment at its source while glycolic acid clears the marks already on the surface. Skin stays skin, just visibly more even, week by week.
Shop nowWhat's inside
Key ingredients
Compare
How it compares
| Hyaluronic & Kojic Brightening | Hydroquinone | |
|---|---|---|
| No prescription needed | Yes | No |
| Fades the look of dark spots | Yes | Yes |
| Clears surface marks with glycolic acid | Yes | No |
| Hydration built in | Yes | Varies |
| Made for long-term, everyday use | Yes | No |
How to use
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01Patch test first, then start every other evening on clean, dry skin.
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02Apply a thin, even layer to the full face or just dark-spot areas, moving to nightly as tolerated.
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03Wear SPF every morning — sun exposure undoes the progress.
Customer results
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Individual results vary.
Based on 270 reviews
Would recommend this product
HYALURONIC & KOJIC ACID BRIGHTENING CREAM
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I got melasma on my forehead and cheekbones after having my daughter three years ago. I've spent way too much money trying to fix it.. facials, acids, tretinoin that messed up my moisture barrier. Bought one jar of this mostly because the ingredients looked decent and I figured what's one more try. Used it every night with SPF during the day. Week three I thought maybe the edges of the patches were getting softer but honestly wasn't sure. By week six it was obvious though. Forehead went from dark brown to like a light tan. Cheekbones took longer but caught up around month three. Just ordered my third jar. This is the only thing that's actually worked and I've tried basically everything.
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Third jar purchased. The consistency of results keeps me coming back.
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Good brightening cream with hydrating texture. Takes patience for dark spots.
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I want to be upfront, this isn't fast. I have fair skin with a bunch of sun damage from my twenties when I didn't care about sunscreen. Spots on my chest and the backs of my hands mostly. Tried it on my hands first to see if it would even do anything. Month one, nothing. I was pretty close to returning it but my friend said give it more time. Around six weeks the biggest spot on my right hand was lighter, not gone but definitely lighter. Started using it on my chest too and same thing is happening slowly. I just wish I knew going in that it needs like 6+ weeks. Would have saved me the anxiety lol.
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Added the niacinamide serum under this at night and my skin cleared up way faster than using the cream alone. Wish I’d bought both from the start.
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After three months my sun damage spots are nearly invisible. This cream is gentle enough for nightly use and the results are undeniable. My skin hasn’t looked this even since my thirties.
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Started with just this cream for dark spots on my cheeks. After a month the results were good enough that I went back and grabbed the vitamin C serum for mornings. Using both — vitamin C during the day, this cream at night — things moved noticeably faster. By week six the marks were fading in a way that three months of other products never did. I don’t usually go all in on one brand but when something works I’m not gonna overthink it.
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Post-acne marks on my jawline cleared up faster than any other product.
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Ok so I had really bad hyperpigmentation on my upper lip and chin from hormonal acne. Looked like a shadow that wouldn't go away. I was using prescription hydroquinone but my derm told me to take a break so I needed something else. Found this in a skincare group. First couple weeks nothing happened which I expected. Around week four the chin area started looking a little softer. By month two my upper lip area was like.. noticeably different. My coworker actually asked me what I changed before I even realized it myself. Three months in now and I'm not wearing makeup to work most days. That's new for me.
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Layering this over the HA serum at night gives my skin an incredible glow by morning. The kojic acid is clearly doing its job on my stubborn spots.
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Nice brightening cream. Took about eight weeks for full results on deeper spots.
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I bought this cream first for melasma on my cheeks and forehead. Was using it alone for about five weeks and could see progress so I decided to try the HA serum underneath since my skin gets really dry in fall. The difference was immediate — the cream absorbed better, my skin felt plumper in the morning, and the dry patches I usually get around my nose just stopped happening. After another few weeks I added the vitamin C serum in the mornings because at that point I figured why not, and honestly my skin hasn’t looked this good since before I had kids. The melasma isn’t completely gone but it’s maybe 70% lighter and the overall texture and hydration of my skin is just.. different. My sister asked what I was doing and I sent her links to all three. First time I’ve ever repurchased an entire routine from one brand.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne is finally under control. Eight weeks of consistent use and my jawline marks are barely visible. Worth every penny.
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Dark spots from sun damage are visibly lighter after six weeks. Kojic acid works.
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I'm a letter carrier so I'm outside all day regardless of weather. Over the years I got these sun spots on my forehead and temples that aged me. My sister bought me this for my birthday and I almost didn't use it tbh, I've wasted so much money on brightening stuff. But I started putting it on after my shower. First month my skin felt smoother but the spots looked the same. Almost quit but kept going. Around week eight they started looking less defined I guess? Like not as dark. I'm about four months in and they're still slightly there but way less obvious. I wear my hair pulled back now which I hadn't done in a while.
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My melasma patches are fading steadily. First product that actually delivered.
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My inner thigh discoloration improved noticeably. Using it everywhere now.
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Sun spots on my hands are fading after six weeks of nightly application.
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The cream texture is rich but not heavy. Absorbs without leaving a film.
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My melasma mustache is almost invisible now. First product to actually work.
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Hyperpigmentation on my upper lip is almost gone. Three months of consistent use.
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Replaced my prescription hydroquinone with this. Comparable results, no side effects.
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I've had dark patches on both cheeks since my second pregnancy four years ago. Tried so many things — vitamin C, chemical peels, even microneedling which honestly made it worse. I started using this at night and kind of forgot about it for a few weeks because I wasn't really expecting anything. Around week five my husband randomly asked if I got a facial done. Looked in the mirror and my left cheek was noticeably lighter. The right side took a bit longer but by month three both had faded enough that I stopped bothering with color corrector. Second jar now. I don't think I'll stop using it.
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My complexion looks more uniform in just one month of consistent use.
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Effective formula. Jar packaging is nice but I prefer pump dispensers for hygiene.
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I use this at night and wake up with brighter, more even skin every morning.
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Gentle enough for my sensitive skin. No stinging or redness at all.
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At 52, I finally found something that fades age spots without harsh chemicals.
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The cream texture is moisturizing enough to skip a separate night cream.
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Solid product, gentle on skin. Took eight weeks to see meaningful results.
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My post-acne marks are clearing faster than any other brightening product I’ve tried.
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The combination of kojic acid and hyaluronic acid is genius — bright AND hydrated.
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Nice cream, good moisture. Brightening is gradual — not an overnight miracle.
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At 55 I had age spots everywhere. They’re visibly lighter after two months.
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No irritation even on my sensitive skin. Gentle brightening that actually works.
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Freckles from years of sun damage are softening. Skin tone is more uniform.
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I layer this under SPF and my skin stays protected while actively brightening.
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Three jars in and I won’t stop. Most consistent brightening cream I’ve found.
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The texture is luxurious. Feels like a high-end cream at a fraction of the cost.
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Dark patches on my cheeks from pregnancy are finally evening out.
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Elbows and knees are also responding. Using it everywhere I have discoloration.
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Results are gradual but undeniable. Month two was the turning point for me.
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The jar lasts a long time. A little goes a long way with this formula.
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I’ve tried hydroquinone and didn’t like it. This is gentler with similar results.
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My chin hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne is so much less noticeable.
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Even my stubborn under-eye darkness has improved slightly.
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Perfect night cream. Wake up looking refreshed and more even-toned.
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My skin has a clarity it hasn’t had since my twenties.
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Kojic acid usually irritates me but this formulation is buffered perfectly.
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The discoloration around my mouth from years of waxing is fading.
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Smooth, hydrating, effective. Everything a brightening cream should be.
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My wedding photos looked incredible because my skin was finally even.
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One jar convinced me. Ordered a subscription immediately.
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My mom had sun spots on her hands. She’s been using this and they’re fading.
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The moisture level is perfect for nighttime. Not too thick, not too thin.
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I can go foundation-free now. Just sunscreen and go. Skin is that even.
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My acne scars were dark brown. Now they’re barely pink. Remarkable.
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Pairs well with retinol without causing irritation. Well thought out formula.
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Noticed improvement within three weeks. Full transformation by month three.
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My bikini line discoloration even improved when I started applying there.
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The most effective brightening product I’ve used without a prescription.
No reviews match that filter.
Still have questions?
Email support@dearalchemist.com and a real person will get back to you.
What skin concerns does this moisturizer address?
Dark spots, uneven tone, and dullness. Reishi-derived kojic acid and licorice interrupt excess pigment while glycolic acid clears it from the surface.
Can I use this moisturizer with retinol?
Alternate nights — using both in one night invites irritation. Layer the Ceramide Cream on top if skin feels tight.
How often should I apply this moisturizer?
Start every other evening after a 24-hour patch test, moving to nightly as tolerated. SPF every morning is non-negotiable.
Is this moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin?
It's an active treatment — kojic plus glycolic acid. Sensitive skin should patch test and start slowly; if your barrier is stressed, repair it first with the Ceramide Cream.
How long does it take to see results with this moisturizer?
Newer marks lighten in 4–6 weeks; older sun spots can take 3+ months. Daily SPF protects the progress.
Are the ingredients in this moisturizer clean and safe?
Yes. The Hyaluronic & Kojic Acid Brightening Cream is formulated without synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, silicones, PEGs, MCI/MI, DEA, BHA/BHT, triclosan, lanolin, talc, petrolatum, mineral oil, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Cruelty-free — never tested on animals. Every formula is made in the USA in an FDA-registered, ISO 22716–certified facility that is cGMP and MoCRA compliant. The complete ingredient list is published on this page — nothing is hidden.
