When it comes to skincare, most people are looking for quick fixes. They want the latest and greatest products that will make their skin look flawless with minimal effort. The good news is that many natural ingredients brighten skin.
These natural ingredients can be found in your kitchen or local health food store and brighten the skin without harsh chemicals! These 13 ingredients work wonders on all skin types – oily, dry, normal – you name it!
What Natural Ingredient Brightens Skin?

Licorice root
Licorice is a root that has been used for centuries as a natural skin brightening agent. It was so popular in ancient Greece and Rome that women dye their faces with the extract to achieve a more youthful appearance! This ingredient is excellent at lightening dark spots or acne scars due to its potent skin-lightening properties.
It contains skin brightening compounds like glabridin, which inhibits melanogenesis (the production of dark pigment) and enhances cell turnover. It also has anti-irritant properties to soothe and calm the skin, which is especially great for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
You can use licorice root as a face wash, face mask or skin moisturiser.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy to fight inflammation and redness. It contains many powerful antioxidants that work together to improve skin tone, texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Gingerol is one antioxidant found in ginger that reduces redness and inhibits excess melanin. This is beneficial in slowing the production of melanin and lightening dark spots.
You can use ginger as a face wash, skin moisturiser or spot treatment on areas with hyperpigmentation.
Turmeric
Another powerful ingredient found in your kitchen! Turmeric has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Still, it also contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant that has been proven to be effective in lightening dark spots and acne scars.
Curcumin inhibits the production of melanin by down-regulating tyrosinase, which means it slows pigment production! It also reduces redness and uneven skin tone by inhibiting inflammatory compounds like prostaglandins E(PGE).
You can use turmeric in the form of a face mask, spot treatment or even as part of your daily skincare routine.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent moisturiser that contains over 75 different nutritious ingredients! In addition, it is naturally cooling and soothing on dry or irritated skin, which makes it great for those with acne-prone or oily skin.
Aloe vera contains a compound called Aloelin, responsible for its soothing and healing properties on the skin. It reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production! Since it also speeds up cell turnover, it helps fade dark spots faster too!
You can use aloe vera in the form of a moisturiser, serum or face mask.

Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil is another powerful essential oil that works wonders on dark spots and discolouration! It contains nutrients like Vitamin A, which brightens skin by promoting cell turnover while preventing hyperpigmentation.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritation, making it an excellent ingredient for acne-prone skin.
You can use carrot seed oil in the form of a moisturiser, makeup cleanser or spot treatment.
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Rosehip Oil
Rosehip is one of my favourite oils because it is rich in vitamins A & C, both powerful antioxidants that prevent free radical damage and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
It also contains plant-based substances that mimic human cholesterol to strengthen cell membranes and reduce damage caused by hyperpigmentation. It is especially great for those with oily or acne-prone skin!
You can use rosehip oil as a moisturiser, spot treatment or even in your daily skincare routine as a serum.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which are beneficial for the skin because they protect it from environmental pollutants and reduce UV damage! It also reduces inflammation that can cause dark spots to form, making green tea a great choice if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
It contains a compound called EGCG, proven to reduce melanin production, making it a perfect addition if you are trying to lighten dark spots or discolouration.
You can use green tea as a mask, toner or spot treatment!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are excellent at removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter, newer skin! It also contains malic acid, an AHA that stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
It has natural antibacterial properties, so it’s great for those with acne-prone or oily skin! Malic acid works by opening up pores to clear out clogged sebum, while apple cider vinegar kills harmful bacteria on contact.
You can use apple cider vinegar as a face wash, toner or cleanser.
Indian gooseberry
Indian gooseberry or Amla is a powerful antioxidant that works wonders on acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. In addition, it contains Vitamin C, which brightens skin by inhibiting melanin production while simultaneously stimulating collagen production to keep your skin looking youthful!
It also has natural antibacterial properties, so it’s great for those with acne-prone or oily skin!
You can use amla as a spot treatment or in a face mask.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it perfect for all skin types but especially for those prone to breakouts. In addition, it contains lauric acid (about 50%), which gives coconut oil its antimicrobial activities because it destroys lipid-coated viruses and bacteria.
It also contains capric acid, which has a natural skin whitening effect! Plus, coconut oil is naturally moisturising, so you can use it as a daily leave-in moisturiser or in place of your regular night cream when you’re looking for brightened skin.
You can use coconut oil in the form of a face wash, spot treatment or moisturiser.

Beet Juice
Beet juice helps restore radiance to dull and discoloured skin. It reduces inflammation while increasing blood flow to the surface layers of your skin. It’s great for acne-prone or sensitive skin since beetroot extract stimulates collagen production without irritation.
You can use beet juice in the form of a spot treatment or as a toner!
Mulberry extract
Mulberry extract is rich in anthocyanins which are antioxidants that fight free radical damage and reduce the appearance of age spots.
It also has natural skin whitening properties, so it’s perfect for those with dark marks or discolouration! It can even fade acne scars, making mulberry a great addition if you’re looking for brightened skin.
You can use the mulberry extract as a spot treatment, face mask or as a serum!
Lemon
Lemon contains citric acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps remove dead surface cells, revealing brighter skin.
It’s also naturally moisturising, so it can be used as a daily leave-in moisturiser or in place of your regular night cream when you’re looking for brightened skin! Lemon essential oil is also loaded with vitamin C, making it a great choice if you are looking for bright skin.
You can use the lemon peel as a face mask, spot treatment or even in your daily skincare routine as a night serum!
Conclusion
Many natural ingredients brighten the skin so that you can leave your brightened skin routine to Mother Nature!
When trying something new, always do a patch test and consult your dermatologist if you’re experiencing any adverse effects.
When using natural ingredients to brighten your skin, consistency is key! Of course, you can’t expect to see results immediately, so keep up your brightened skin routine, and you will be on the road to brighter skin in no time!
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