Hydroquinone Alternative
Hyperpigmentation is notoriously stubborn. For a long time, Hydroquinone was the only heavy hitter in town, but it comes with safety concerns.
We believe you shouldn't have to compromise safety for results. Fade Away is our triple-threat solution, powered by Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, and Licorice Root to fight discoloration just as effectively, but gently. For the ultimate brightening strategy, the Dark Spots Treatment pairs Fade Away with our Glow Maker vitamin C serum to attack uneven tone from every angle.
For the curious
Hydroquinone is a chemical bleaching agent that is effective but can be harsh and is often restricted in Europe and Asia due to safety concerns. You also can't use it long-term. Fade Away is a botanical-based alternative. We rely on a powerhouse blend of Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, and Turmeric to inhibit excess pigment production. It’s effective, safe for long-term use, and doesn't require a prescription.
This is our 1-2 punch for maximum brightness. It bundles Glow Maker (Vitamin C) for your morning routine and Fade Away for your evening routine.
- Glow Maker protects against UV damage and brightens overall tone.
- Fade Away targets specific dark spots and inhibits new pigment from forming. Using them together provides a comprehensive defense against discoloration.
Dark spots happen when an enzyme in your skin (tyrosinase) gets overexcited by the sun or inflammation and pumps out too much melanin. The ingredients in Fade Away—specifically Alpha Arbutin and Kojic Acid—act like a "mute button" for that enzyme, telling it to calm down. Over time, this fades existing spots and prevents new ones from popping up.
We’ll be honest: pigment is patient, so you have to be too. While you might see a general glow sooner, significant fading of dark spots usually takes 8–12 weeks of daily use. Consistency is the secret sauce here. If you skip days, the pigment production can ramp right back up.
Yes, and it’s a smart move. Retinoids (like Moonlight) speed up cell turnover, helping to shed the stained surface cells faster, while Fade Away stops new pigment from forming at the source.
- Routine: Cleanse → Fade Away → Moonlight → Moisturizer.
We generally advise against using exfoliators and retinoids (like Moonlight) at the exact same time. It’s often too much stimulation for the skin. Instead, try "Skin Cycling": use your exfoliator (Night Renewer or Super Smooth) one night, and your retinoid the next.
Melasma is tricky and hormonal, but Fade Away is formulated to help reduce the appearance of melasma patches. Because it is non-irritating (inflammation can actually make melasma worse), it is a safe and effective option for managing those stubborn patches.
If you take nothing else away from this guide: Yes. The sun is the battery that powers dark spots. You can use gallons of serum, but if you skip sunscreen for even one day, UV rays can undo weeks of progress. For fading spots, SPF 30+ daily is non-negotiable.
Yes! Unlike Hydroquinone, which requires you to take breaks every few months to prevent a rare side effect called ochronosis (permanent darkening), the ingredients in Fade Away are safe to use indefinitely. You can keep it in your routine as long as you need it.
You can, but we usually recommend applying it to the whole face. Why? Because pigment formation often happens below the surface before you can see it. Treating the whole face helps prevent future spots from appearing, not just the ones you can already see.
Kojic Acid can be active, but we formulated Fade Away with soothing botanicals like Mugwort and Aloe to keep the peace. It is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any active formula, we recommend a patch test if your skin is reactive.
Fade Away has a lightweight, fluid texture.
- Morning: Cleanse → Glow Maker → Fade Away → Moisturizer → Sunscreen.
- Night: Cleanse → Fade Away → Retinoid (optional) → Moisturizer.
- Pro Tip: If using the Dark Spots Treatment, stick to Glow Maker in the AM and Fade Away in the PM to keep it simple.
