Skin-brightening ingredients that are excellent alternatives to vitamin C

Vitamin C is believed to be one of the best skin-brightening ingredients in the market. It gained huge popularity in such a short span of time and is now a vital part of every skincare routine. Loaded with a myriad of skin-benefiting properties, vitamin C is not only a huge part of our diet but skincare routine as well. It can help your skin in a plethora of ways, but the best benefits of using this ingredient regularly are a brighter complexion and increased collagen production.

You can find many skincare products in the market that are infused with vitamin C such as face serums, creams, etc., but these products can easily burn a hole in your pocket. If you don’t want to spend too much on your skincare products, then here’s one thing that you can do. Instead of including vitamin C in your skincare routine, you can consider including dupes of this ingredient that are far more affordable.

Ahead, we have put together a list of some excellent skin-brightening ingredient alternatives to vitamin C.

Azelaic acid

This plant-derived ingredient is known to contain a myriad of skin-benefiting properties, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Your skin can benefit a lot from this ingredient. Apart from helping to treat hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid also works pretty effectively against rosacea and acne. Skincare products infused with this ingredient help to renew your skin, and at the same time, keep issues like pimples and blackheads at bay. Some people might experience a slight tingling sensation while using this ingredient for the first or second time, which is quite normal, but if it continues to irritate your skin, then you should discontinue using it.

Kojic acid

Kojic acid is an excellent alternative to vitamin C; it is derived from fermented rice and mushrooms. Much like azelaic acid, it also contains antibacterial properties, and in addition to that, it also helps to treat skin woes like sun spots, age spots, and scars. This ingredient is commonly used in a lot of beauty products, including cleansers, creams, lotions, etc. While it is safe to use kojic acid, people with sensitive skin should check in with their dermatologist before using this ingredient as it can lead to dermatitis.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is yet another popular skincare ingredient. It not only helps to brighten up your skin but also moisturizes it and protects it from sun damage. In addition to that, niacinamide helps in preventing premature aging, calming inflammation, and improving collagen production. This ingredient works well for all skin types and feels tolerable on the skin. It can be used twice a day for maximum benefits.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is known as a hero ingredient for a reason, and the reason behind that is its ability to deal with stubborn discoloration. If you are experiencing any discoloration on your skin, using hydroquinone can help get rid of it. Additionally, it not only reduces melanin production in the skin but also helps to lighten the discoloration on your face such as freckles, sun spots, age spots, etc.

Licorice root

Licorice root is known to be packed with antioxidants like licochalcone and glabridin. Apart from that, it also contains powerful antiseptic and anti-aging properties that benefit your skin in multiple ways. Issues like sun damage and skin irritation can easily be treated by using this ingredient. Other than that, the regular use of this ingredient can help keep issues like acne and wrinkles at bay.

You don’t necessarily need vitamin C to brighten up your skin; these wonderful alternative ingredients can also do an incredible job of brightening up your skin.