Garden of Wisdom's Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum is an advanced skin-brightening and lightening corrective serum for stubborn pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
List of Ingredients: Distilled Water (Aqua), Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia Papyrifera Root Extract [and] Water) Infusion, Alpha-Arbutin 2% (Alpha-Arbutin), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate 2% (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Niacinamide (Niacinamide), Kojic Acid 1% (Kojic Acid), Leucidal SF (Lactobacillus Ferment) and Optiphen (Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol)
Alpha Arbutin and Kojic Acid Serum helps to correct uneven skin tone, age spots, freckles, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. It is a natural alternative to hydroquinone, which can cause inflammation. Containing high strengths of both Alpha Arbutin and Kojic Acid, this lightweight skin-lightening serum penetrates the cell layers to inhibit pigment formation and ensure even distribution of melanin.
A professional formula, Alpha Arbutin serum also contains niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, and Paper Mulberry both of which help correct uneven skin tone to reveal a clearer complexion.
Benefits of Alpha Arbutin Skin Whitening Serum
Alpha Arbutin - derived from the leaves of the bearberry plant, alpha arbutin inhibits the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme which controls the amount of pigment produced by the pigment cells.
Kojic Acid - a natural product derived from mushrooms, Kojic Acid has been used successfully to lighten age spots and skin discoloration. Kojic Acid also displays powerful antioxidant properties, helping to protect skin against free radical damage.
Niacinamide - Unlike Arbutin and Kojic Acid, Niacinamide works to block the transfer of pigment onto the skin's surface that contributes to skin darkening.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) - a stable and bio-available form of Vitamin C, this derivative lightens skin tone and fades discoloration by inhibiting pigment production.
Paper Mulberry - several studies indicate that mulberry extracts inhibit the formation of melanin pigment. Studies suggest that a small concentration of Paper Mulberry extract suppressed pigment production by an astonishing 50% when compared to hydroquinone.
Marked changes in the skin's pigment production result in undesirable hyperpigmentation concerns such as age spots and an uneven skin tone, which can add years to one's perceived age. Alpha Arbutin and Kojic Acid Serum helps reduce the visual appearance of age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation, resulting in radiant, even-toned skin. This serum has a pH range of 7.6 -7.7
Serum bottles are made of PET which are 100% recyclable. Please dispose of the dispenser in your general waste.
Directions: Shake well before use. Apply a sufficient amount of this serum to your face, covering cleansed skin, both in the morning and evening. Can be used with other serums.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
The product feels good on my skin. Just started using
Hi Rachel 😊
Thank you for sharing this. We formulate our serums to feel supportive and comfortable on the skin while
still delivering meaningful actives, so that means a lot.
You’re just at the beginning. Give it a few weeks of steady use and let us know how your skin responds.
We’re here if you need anything along the way.
Gratefully,
Markey ⛇☃︎
V
Vera Sallek
The Garden of Wisdom AHA + Kojic Acid Serum has been a true staple in my skincare routine
The Garden of Wisdom AHA + Kojic Acid Serum has been a true staple in my skincare routine. I only realized how effective it was when I couldn’t find it for a while—during that time, my skin really struggled. I even tried another serum with a similar formula, but it just didn’t deliver the same results. Now that I’ve found this serum again, I’m beyond happy! My skin is already showing great improvement. It keeps my acne under control and tackles my stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) better than anything else I’ve tried. This product is definitely a keeper!
Oh, Vera!
This is such great feedback, thank you so much. That's funny (not in a humorous way, though) that you had to run out to recognize its potential. So completely understandable! It happens to all of us.
Thank you so much for sharing this important feedback with others.
Markey
E
Elton Miyashiro
Still to early to see results
Still to early in seeing if it is working . After one month and one bottle I can't see any visible signs of change in skin tone .
Hi Elton
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We understand that it may take some time for our products to show visible results, especially when dealing with stubborn pigmentation. We recommend continuing use for a few more weeks to allow the ingredients to fully penetrate the skin and work their magic. If you have any further concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help!
Our Best, Markey
L
Loane Kouao
Parfait
C’est l’ancienne version que je cherchais très satisfaite
Loane,
Thank you for the beautiful review and it read so perfect in French. Just gorgeous!
Translated: This is the old version I was looking for, very satisfied.
Your GOW Crew
O
Olaitan
Good product
I like having this product in my routine, but not sure if I’m going to be able to keep it in my routine. Came back here to reorder because I’m about to finish my bottle, but looks like the price has increased significantly?
Olitan
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for including this product in your routine. This really one of the best products on the market.
We understand that price changes can be challenging, and we want to assure you that we’ve worked hard to keep the cost as accessible as possible.
The price adjustment is due to changes in purchasing dynamics. Previously, when we supplied VH, pricing was based on their bulk purchases of thousands of units at a time. However, following Brexit, the landscape shifted significantly. We now source ingredients in smaller quantities, which limits our access to bulk discounts. Despite these challenges, we have worked to keep the price as low as possible while maintaining the exceptional quality of this remarkable product.
Have a beautiful day,
Markey ☀️☀️☀️
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day. Gentle and clean. Makes hair feel so soft.
Locks of Lovely Shampoo (Unscented): Pure, Nourishing, and Gentle Care for Your Hair
Caroline Moyer
Good for emerging blemishes
I like this stuff! My blemishes are usually just tiny irritated white heads or bumps with nothing in them. If I put this on at night, things are much calmer in the morning. It even seems to have a minimizing effect on the few deep painful cystic guys I get, so they end up fading away rather than coming to the surface full of rage. And so far I haven't had any irritation (and I have very sensitive skin). I put this on after my last oil stage, after things have dried down a bit. I feel like that works best since I use it as a spot treatment, and putting it on under other stuff seems like it would just spread it around.
Sulfur Clearing Serum
Marian Jamieson
This is the best one!
This is the best one! My skin is sensitive to unusual things and the leucidal hyaluronic acid serums don't give me any issue. I prefer the honey to the regular because it helps my acne. I had to order the regular/pure HA serum last time and I definitely noticed breakouts lasting longer. Honey comb is the way to go!
Honey Comb Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Leucidal)
Amber A
Gentle non irritating niacinimide serum
Gentle, non irritating niacinimide serum. Another wonderful light and layerable product from GoW. I like how this serum plays well with my other products and it’s not sticky. This has been very helpful for my stepson’s oily teenage skin as well. Thank you!
B3/B5 Duality Facial Serum – Hydrating Vitamin B3 and B5 Serum for Balanced, Healthy Skin
Anonymous
The perfect cleanser with no harsh ingredients
The perfect cleanser with no harsh ingredients. I have been using this cleanser for years and it is the best!
Creamy Cleanser
TONI B.
Awesome progeline peptide repair serum
I have this product daily for over a year and my skin has never looked to smooth. It has helped my fine lines so much that they are barely visible
The product seems to soften the appearance of the skin
The product seems to soften the appearance of the skin. However, I need more time to test the product further. Have a great day.
24-Hour Moisture Serum
Jennifer Green
I love that GOW offers such rare, natural items you can't find anywhere else
I love that GOW offers such rare items you can't find anywhere else. I have very sensitive skin/ type 2 rosacea. I cannot seem to use this directly on my face but I wash with water, then spray when wet a few sprays, let soak in for anti-aging, anti-bacterial benefits, gently press into skin, and wait a minute, then rinse, proceed with routine.
Olive Leaf Hydrosol Organic
Patricia George
Great Product That is Giving Me Awesome Results
A few weeks ago I purchased the Advance Peptide Nail Support Serum because my finger nails have vertical ridges. I am using the serum every night and I am seeing great results. I have tried many other products over the past couple of years and was about to give up until I found the Advance Peptide Nail Support Serum.
Advanced Peptide Nail Support Serum
Rachel
Been using this for almost a decade!
I love this Lavender Recovery Gel so much. Whenever my skin is irritated or healing from something like a popped pimple, I always reach for this recovery gel and it noticeably speeds up the healing process. If my skin is really irritated, I'll apply a layer before bed and cover it with a bandage overnight, and the difference by morning is amazing! I keep the 1 oz pump at home and the 0.25 oz size in my travel toiletry bag, so I'm never without it when I need it. This is a 10/10 product, please never stop making it!
Lavender Recovery Gel – Calming, Soothing for Sensitive Skin
this seems like a very good product, but may be wrong for my skin type. i have rosacea and eczema, and mostly oily skin. i was hoping to find a product that would improve my heavily congested nose and chin without making all the red patches on my cheeks and eye area worse. i tried the product as both a toner and a facial spray, but found it slowly dried out my cheeks and made them redder. so now am am just applying only to my nose and cheeks, and it seems to be helping now, in conjunction with the oat serum. the product has the consistency of a typical toner, and it is scentless. it does not sting or burn when sprayed on, even in the eye area. it feels neither drying nor hydrating, and does not leave you looking greasy.
Hi Donna ♡
Thank you for sharing your experience with our Wild Black Cherry Bark Hydrosol. I'm glad to hear it's helping when used selectively.
We appreciate your detailed feedback and hope it continues to support your skin needs.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!
Thought: you could add about 2-3% glycerin to amp up the hydration.
Markey and the GoW Crew (✿◠ᴗ◠)
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day. Gentle and clean. Makes hair feel so soft.
*ੈ✩༺Hello༻*ੈ✩
This is exactly what we hoped our unscented Locks of Lovely Shampoo would work for: gentle enough for those hot summer days when washing your hair becomes an almost-daily necessity! We’re especially happy to hear that it leaves your hair feeling so soft without relying on added fragrance.
Thank you for taking the time to share this!
Your GoW Family ❤️
I like this stuff! My blemishes are usually just tiny irritated white heads or bumps with nothing in them. If I put this on at night, things are much calmer in the morning. It even seems to have a minimizing effect on the few deep painful cystic guys I get, so they end up fading away rather than coming to the surface full of rage. And so far I haven't had any irritation (and I have very sensitive skin). I put this on after my last oil stage, after things have dried down a bit. I feel like that works best since I use it as a spot treatment, and putting it on under other stuff seems like it would just spread it around.
Caroline ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
“Coming to the surface full of rage” may be the best blemish description we have ever read 😂
We’re so happy the Sulfur Clearing Serum is helping those emerging bumps look calmer by morning, including the deeper, particularly stubborn ones. Sulfur can be a bit much for some sensitive skin, so we’re also glad you’ve found a careful spot-application method that works beautifully for yours.
Thankyou 🫶❤️ for such a thoughtful and wonderfully descriptive review!
Your GoW Crew
M
Honey Comb Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Leucidal) Marian Jamieson
This is the best one!
This is the best one! My skin is sensitive to unusual things and the leucidal hyaluronic acid serums don't give me any issue. I prefer the honey to the regular because it helps my acne. I had to order the regular/pure HA serum last time and I definitely noticed breakouts lasting longer. Honey comb is the way to go!
This is such helpful feedback, Marian! Thank you 💕
Skin can be extraordinarily particular, and sometimes two very similar formulas behave quite differently. The honeycomb version combines the hydration of hyaluronic acid with honey’s naturally humectant and skin-comforting qualities, so it makes perfect sense that your skin has a definite favorite.
We’re delighted you found the one that keeps your sensitive skin happy and those stubborn blemishes from lingering!
Your GoW Family ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
Gentle, non irritating niacinimide serum. Another wonderful light and layerable product from GoW. I like how this serum plays well with my other products and it’s not sticky. This has been very helpful for my stepson’s oily teenage skin as well. Thank you!
Thank you 💕 Amber.
We’re especially happy to hear that one serum is working so nicely for two very different skin needs! Niacinamide can be remarkably useful for helping skin look more balanced, but a formula still needs to be comfortable enough to use consistently. Light, layerable and not sticky is exactly what we wanted this serum to be.
Thank you for sharing it with your stepson and for telling us how it’s working for both of you, Amber!
Markey 🌸🌸🌸