12 best lightening lotions

Lightening lotions, also known as skin lightening lotions or whitening lotions, are topical products used to lighten or brighten the skin tone. These lotions are commonly used in the realm of skincare and beauty to address issues such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone, or to achieve an overall lighter complexion. However, it's important to note that the use of skin lightening products should be approached with caution, and consulting a dermatologist is advisable before use.

Here are some key points about lightening lotions:

  1. Ingredients:

    • Lightening lotions often contain various active ingredients that help lighten the skin. Common ingredients include hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, licorice extract, vitamin C, and certain plant extracts.
    • These ingredients work by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
  2. Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots:

    • Lightening lotions are frequently used to address hyperpigmentation, which occurs due to excess melanin production.This can result from sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal changes.
    • By reducing melanin production, these lotions can help fade dark spots and even out the skin tone.
  3. Sun Protection:

    • Many lightening lotions also contain sunscreen or SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to prevent further darkening of the skin due to sun exposure.
    • Sunscreen is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of the lightening process and preventing further pigmentation.
  4. Usage and Application:

    • Lightening lotions are typically applied to clean, dry skin, focusing on areas with hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone.
    • Users are advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding frequency of application and quantity to use.
  5. Caution and Potential Risks:

    • Prolonged or improper use of lightening lotions, especially those containing hydroquinone, can lead to adverse effects such as skin irritation, redness, thinning of the skin, or ochronosis (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin).
    • It's essential to use these lotions under the guidance of a dermatologist to minimize risks and achieve the desired results.

In summary, lightening lotions are skincare products designed to lighten the skin tone, address hyperpigmentation, and fade dark spots. They typically contain active ingredients that inhibit melanin production. However, caution is necessary to prevent potential side effects, and consulting a dermatologist is advisable before using these products.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lightening lotions on the market
  

Makari Exclusive Skin Toning BODY Milk 16.8oz – Lightening, Brightening & Toning Lotion – Advanced Active Intense Whitening Treatment for Dark Spots, Acne Scars, Sun Patches, Stretch Marks

MAKARI

Based on 180 reviews Check latest price
  • POWERFUL SKIN LIGHTENING – Maximum Strength Organiclarine Safely Whitens & Brightens Skin for Fast, Effective Results
  • PERFECTLY EVENS TONE - Use Regularly [3x Per Week] to Gradually Lighten Skin & Achieve a Smooth, Radiant Complexion
  • QUICKLY FADES SPOTS & SCARS - Reduces Discoloration From Sun Patches, Acne Blemishes, Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
  • DELIVERS INTENSE MOISTURIZATION - Nourishes Dry, Flaky, Ashy Skin for a Healthy, Youthful Glow; Safe for African-American & Most Skin Types
  • ALL NATURAL ELEMENTS - Bleach, Chemical & Cruelty-Free Formula Contains Gentle Ingredients From the Earth & Sea

User questions & answers

Question: Does the price include everything in the second picture
Answer: Yes,for younger beautiful skin toned it worth the price. I recommend Makari product☺
Question: Will this lighten my undercarriage “all the way”? The closeups of that area are awful. Thanks
Answer: Yes it will with the soap . Buy the carrot soap as well then you’ll see a difference. Use on knees as well to reduce black marks. Hope this helps
Question: What skin color this product is good for
Answer: Makari exclusive toning milk is for all skin type . Infused with a high concentration of our key exclusive brightening ingredient, it targets areas of hyperpigmentation and helps illuminate dry, mature complexion. Will bleach skin up to 4 shades lighter . For body only ( 3 days a week ) .
Question: Does it lighten dark knuckles
Answer: It does lighten dark knuckles, nevertheless, one must give folding areas/articulations extra attention as they are typically very hard to moisten and hydrate. Additionally it is harder for creams/lotions to be absorbed so we suggest previous exfoliation.

Product features

Makari De Suisse's luxury skincare line celebrates diverse beauty by helping women achieve the beautiful skin they've always dreamed of.

Makari Extreme Carrot & Argan Oil Skin Toning Milk 16.8oz – Lightening, Brightening & Tightening Body Lotion with Organiclarine – Whitening & Anti-Aging Treatment for Dark Spots, Acne & Wrinkles

MAKARI

Based on 172 reviews Check latest price
  • POWERFUL SKIN – Maximum Strength Organiclarine Safely Whitens & Brightens Skin for Fast, Effective Results
  • PERFECTLY EVENS TONE – Use Every Day to Gradually Skin & Achieve a Clear, Healthy, Radiant Complexion
  • QUICKLY CLEARS BLEMISHES – Vitamins C & E Reduce Discoloration From Acne, Sun Patches, Scars, Age Spots & Melasma
  • GENTLY SMOOTHS & TIGHTENS – Rejuvenating Carrot & Argan Oils Soften Lines & Wrinkles; Safe for African-American & Most Skin Types
  • ALL NATURAL ELEMENTS – Cruelty- & Chemical-Free Formula Contains Plant-Based Glycerin & Vitamins From the Earth & Sea

User questions & answers

Question: Do I use the cream just as it is to get the results I’m looking for or I need to buy the oil and soap
Answer: Please use the lotion on body only not on face . You can also mix it with oil if you have dry skin . The soap is good on face and body for best results .
Question: Is this lotion a good lotion..am searching for a good and natural lightening lotion to use
Answer: This lotion is great at lightening fast and efficiently. I got my tone was looking for in less than 2 weeks
Question: Can i use it for face
Answer: No.
Question: Why it's cheaper if I buy it separatly
Answer: Yes.

Product features

Makari De Suisse's luxury skincare line celebrates diverse beauty by helping women achieve the beautiful skin they've always dreamed of.

3 Pk, Vaseline Healthy White Skin Lightening Lotion, 100ml Each

Vaseline

Based on 337 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3 Pk, Vaseline Healthy White Skin Lightening Lotion, 100ml Each

  • 3 Pk, Vaseline Healthy White Skin Lightening Lotion, 100ml Each

User questions & answers

Question: How many packs for the price of
Answer: it is 3 packs
Question: the products made in USA
Answer: No i think it's from the Philippines. .but it works and smells good too my friend from the Philippines sugested it
Question: Does it lightens skin
Answer: yes it does
Question: Does it smell amazing
Answer: Has a light perfume smell somewhat like a baby , also a nice moisturizer feel.

Idole Lotion - Intense 8.5 oz.

Idole

Based on 563 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Helps keep skin moist and Healthy

  • moisturizing and scented lightening Body Lotion
  • very effective in lightening and fading dark spots
  • lighter even skin and blemish free

User questions & answers

Question: Where are the ingredients listed
Answer: They should be on the back of the bottle. I love this lotion and it has brought the beauty out in my skin
Question: Does it give stretch marks
Answer: It did not give me any stretch marks. I love the lotion
Question: What are the ingredients? Does it contains hydroquinone
Answer: Yes it's does contain hydroquinone.
Question: Is it good for dark person to used it
Answer: Yes it is Awesome for dark skin people

Vaseline Healthy White, Skin Lightening Lotion with Active Whitening System, Lighter Skin in 2 Weeks 100ml

Johnson's

Based on 356 reviews Check latest price

Product description

100 = 3.5oz Bottle

  • UV Lightening
  • With Vitamin B3 and triple Sunscreens
  • With Micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly
  • Restor Moisture fairer Skin in 2 weeks

User questions & answers

Question: Can this lighten dark knees
Answer: yes
Question: What kind of soap should u use prior to applying the lotion
Answer: papaya soap
Question: Does it work
Answer: Nope! All it did was left rashes all over the areas that it came in contact with on my body. Though it has a lovely smell, it did nothing for me.
Question: Is this product sold/manufactured domestically (United States
Answer: Not seeing USA on the bottle at all. It seems to be manufactured in Indonesia and distributed by Unilever in both the Philippines and Singapore.

2 X Vaseline Healthy White Complete 10 Lightening Body Lotion 100ml(pack of 2) - Styledivahub …

Vaseline

Based on 106 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fed up of dry skin that makes you look dull. The Vaseline healthy white complete 10 offers a healthy respite. With vital components like vitamin B3, AHA and sun screen, Vaseline offers the best protection for your face and skin, in this lotion. It is endowed with numerous benefits that ensure younger, brighter looking skin. The Vaseline healthy white complete 10 lotion ensures that your skin gets a better tone and feel with every application. Can be applied once a day or several times depending on the weather or your individual needs, but it's sure to bring out your youthfulness. This one is a compact 100 ml bottle, easy to even carry around.

  • Nourishes skin from deep within, providing instant moisturization and radiance
  • It reduces dark spots and gives you an even skin tone along with visibly fairer and younger looking skin
  • Featuring UVA and UVB, it also protects skin from sun damage

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work for black skin
Answer: Yes, it does,100%
Question: Will this light my black skin
Answer: Personally I wouldnt recommend using this lotion to lighten skin. Ive been experimenting with alot of different lotions and soaps and so far dermisa brightening bar worked for me. Im impatient so I want results now lbvs! You really see the results of using it daily. You should try dermisa brightening soap and when finished use brightening creme.. Hope this helps Good luck!
Question: where is it made from
Answer: It is made in India... Thanks

3 X Vaseline Healthy White Triple Lightening Body Lotion Spf24 (100ml) Pack of 3 - Styledivahub …

Vaseline

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Protect your skin from the harmful UV rays with this Healthy White Triple Lightening Lotion from Vaseline. Specially formulated with SPF 24, Vitamin B3, and triple sunscreens, this body moisturizer nourishes and nurtures your skin. It eliminates dark, dry, and damaged cells giving you fairer, healthy skin. The body moisturizer offers instant fairness and glowing skin even under the sun and its advanced formula ensures soft and supple skin giving you a youthful look. Use the Vaseline Healthy White Lotion with SPF 24 for that luminous look at every occasion. Buy this 100ml bottle, right away

  • Fairer skin even under the sun.
  • Protects the skin from harmful effects of the harsh sun.

User questions & answers

Question: Dies this product lighten your skin
Answer: I don't know i have not receive the product yet. It is my first time buying it.
Question: where is this product made
Answer: This products us made in India..Thanks

LightenUp Girl! Skin Perfector Lightening Lotion 400ml - Skin Lightening and Brightening Properties, Dark Spots Remover, with Tyrostat and Vitamin C

OMIC Lighten-Up

  • LIGHTEN UP GIRL FORMULA : IT also Improves skin elasticity, softens skin and protects against environmental pollutants with powerful anti-oxidant, Vitamin “C” and moisturizes and soothes with healing anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe.
  • EVEN OUT SKIN TONE : Formulated for the female skin, this powerful lotion helps reduce dark spots while restoring clarity and radiance. It also promotes a brighter, more even skin tone with advanced skin brightening/lightening active
  • RUMEX OCCIDENTALIS : Melasma is a difficult-to-treat pigmentation disorder that predominantly affects women. Rumex occidentalis extract was found to be as effective as the gold-standard skin-lightener hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma.
  • MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS : Apply directly to dark brown stubborn areas or uneven skin tone on dry, cleansed skin, preferably at night. To avoid further skin discolorations, use minimum SPF 50 sunscreen every morning. *For best results, avoid sun exposure during brightening treatment.
  • WARNINGS: For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or nursing, do not use this product without consulting a physician.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it contain hydroquinone
Answer: Dear Customer, thanks for your interest in lightenup girl lotion, it does not contain Hydroquinone but its active ingredient is tyrostat, hope this information will help Best Regards Beauty Dreams

Product features

LightenUp Girl! Lightening Lotion 400ml

Formulated for the female skin, this powerful lotion helps reduce dark spots while restoring clarity and radiance. It also promotes a brighter, more even skin tone with advanced skin brightening/lightening active, Tyrostat. LightenUp Girl! also Improves skin elasticity, softens skin and protects against environmental pollutants with powerful anti-oxidant, Vitamin “C” and moisturizes and soothes with healing anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe.

Rumex Occidentalis and Skin Benefits

One ingredient found to be useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders is Rumex extract. Rumex extract comes from Field Dock, a plant native to the Canadian Prairies. Rumex extract works by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme present in human skin and that is responsible for the formation of pigmentation which causes color in skin. Inhibiting tyrosinase reduces the formation of new pigment.

Caro White Lightening Beauty Lotion 500ML

Caro White

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It helps lighten and brighten your skin. You can also use this to get rid of hyper-pigmentation caused by acne, stretch marks, sunburn, age spots, scars and more.

  • Lighten and brighten your skin.
  • Get rid of hyper-pigmentation.
  • Help remove acne, stretch marks, sunburn, age spots, scars and more.

Pr Francoise Bedon Lightening Milk Puissance

F.BEdon

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pr Francoise Bedon Lightening Milk Puissance

  • Body Lotion

User questions & answers

Question: does it clear old stretch marks
Answer: I don't have stretch marks so I don't know dear
Question: Is this the original
Answer: We sell only the original The bottle design has changed. No more signature on the botlle
Question: Does this lotion lightens the skin
Answer: Not really but give you a caramel skin depending which one will much is a very good lotion 8yrs now I'm using this 👍
Question: Is this the orginal
Answer: No buy it from the website

CLAIRMEN Lightening Jar for Men 500ML

CLAIRMEN

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: How much percent of hydroquinone does it have
Answer: 2%

IMAGE Skincare Iluma Intense Lightening Body Lotion with VT, 6 oz

Image International

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This moisture-rich lotion offers an active solution for discoloration and age spots on the body. Ultra-hydrating botanical oils such as sea buckthorn drench skin with moisture. Peptide-based brighteners time-release to unveil more smooth, radiant and even-toned skin from the neck down. Plant-based bidens pilosa extract helps to improve skin texture and tone, and licorice root offers brightening and antioxidant properties. Vectorize Technology™ releases encapsulated moisturizing ingredients for up to 48 hours to promote hydration.

brand story

IMAGE Skincare is a clean and professional line backed by clinical results. Created by an esthetician, formulated by a plastic surgeon, IMAGE is dedicated to helping its customers Age Later.

User questions & answers

Question: Can you use this for Intimate Bleaching
Answer: We do not recommend, as we have not tested the product and results with those areas.
Question: i mean will like to know what to do,and for how long will i start seeing the effect
Answer: Image is a great product but like any other over the counter Dean is not the wonder cure. It is fabulous for your skin, but lightening and smoothing out the pigment takes quite a long time. I used 3 tubes and saw slight lightening. It was not dramatic and less than I wanted. It is a great body lotion for soft and smooth skin.
Question: does it lightens. remove blemishes and knuckles
Answer: It can help with all areas
Question: Does it lighten
Answer: i use Iluma Intense Lightening Body Lotion for a period but in combination other products. I have some brown spots on my arms and neckline. My dermatologist recommended this product. I have seen lightening results, as my spots are fading, but i am not sure that the result is due to this product or the combination of more. But the quality is great and the feeling is velvet skin after use.

Latest Reviews

View all