What do Japanese use to lighten skin?
Key ingredients include: Kojic Acid: Derived from rice fermentation, it blocks tyrosinase (melanin enzyme), fading spots and brightening skin. Popular in Shiseido and Hada Labo lines. Arbutin: A bearberry extract that inhibits melanin, used in lotions like Hada Labo Shirojyun (~$15–$20). Lightening methods The most popular beauty products often contain sake and rice bran, which contain kojic acid. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved a specific combination of active ingredients for skin-whitening cosmetics used by the general Japanese public. These are mainly arbutin and kojic acid.Licorice Extract are well known for lightening hyperpigmentation in Korean Skincare. It has anti -inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin during brightening, which is ideal for people with sensitive skin. Whitening serum in Korean beauty often features this component.