Owusu-Agyei M., Agyei M., Ogunleye T. Skin-lightening practices among shoppers in select markets in Kumasi, Ghana: A cross-sectional survey. JAAD Int. 2020; 1(2):104–110. [ Google Scholar] Ryan, Elaine (2007). Color Your Life: How to Design Your Home with Colors from Your Heart. New York: St. Martin's Press. pp.12–15. ISBN 9780312368197 . Retrieved 17 December 2010.

Snail mucin has always been a highly sought-after ingredient in Korean skincare products to achieve that glass skin look they adore and love. This product has one of the highest percentages of snail mucin in its cream and is a much-loved product by the Korean public.

One particular type of skincare product that’s relatively unique to the Korean markets would be skin whitening creams. Abraham M. Skin lightening: The dangerous obsession that’s worth billions [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2020 xxx]. Available at: https://mosaicscience.com/story/skin-lightening-whitening-India/.

Failmezger C. Incidence of skin disease in Cuzco, Peru. Int J Derm. 1992; 31:560–561. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Korean skincare products, including whitening creams, often contain a variety of ingredients that are believed to help brighten and even out the skin tone. Please note that formulations may vary between different brands and products. Here are some common ingredients found in Korean whitening creams: Felongco G. Skin-bleaching creams prompt health warning in Philippines [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2020 xxx]. Available at: https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/philippines/skin-bleaching-creams-prompt-health-warning-in-philippines-1.64923314. Whitening (or blanqueamiento) was widely accepted in Brazil and deeply rooted in the history of the nation until 1914 ( Hier and Greenberg, 2002). Although tanned skin is also common in Brazil, the trend of SL is still popular and represents a niche and growing market. Dr. Mônica Manela-Azulay, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, explains that approximately 50% of all patients presenting to the clinic request topical treatments or procedures to lighten the skin, a majority of which target ephelides, lentigines, and PIH ( Failmezger, 1992, Martins, 2020).

After much searching, I finally found a Korean whitening cream for face that is also suitable for dry skin.

Martins R. Global market trend towards skin lightening cosmetics reaches Brazil [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2020 xxx]. Available at: https://www.brazilbeautynews.com/global-market-trend-towards-skin-lightening, 877. Nella is a well-known brand that boasts a line of products that target common skin problems that everyone experiences. Nella’s Whitening and Brightening Tone-Up Cream consistently tops lists for the best and most effective Korean whitening creams.Cestari T., Arellano I., Hexsel D., Ortonne J. Melasma in Latin America: Options for therapy and treatment algorithm. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2009; 23:760–772. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar]

INNISFREE’s Jeju Blossom range has long been a favorite for those looking for a whitening skincare set. The Jeju Blossom Tone-Up Cream is the creme-de-la-creme, though, with its lightweight formula that leaves the skin feeling dewy and looking glowy. In Southeast Asia, the use of whitening agents is expanding, with recent studies estimating one in two Filipino women use SL products ( Mendoza, 2014). The desire for paler skin is thought to be based in hopes of improving social acceptance and economic opportunities ( Singson, 2017).Ashan S. Azealia Banks bleaches her skin. National Post [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2020 xxx]. Available at: https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/celebrity/azealia-banks-bleaches-her-skin-says-it-is-no-different-than-a-weave-and-she-is-assimilating. The EnaSkin Dark Spot Corrector is a whitening cream that’s made to target and reduce acne scarring, especially if you’ve been experiencing them for a lengthy period. Rest assured, these whitening creams do not contain any bleaching products. Remember, these creams are meant to invigorate your skin, not change its color!