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 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 ☀️☀️☀️
s
sahana ratneswaran
Same great product
I was looking for this product. It really works!
Sahana,
We have yet to hear from anyone that this doesn't work and many
times has dramatic, positive results.
Thank you.
Markey
I love the other GOW hydrating mists but has not tried this one yet. My skin is on the struggle bus this Fall. Due to weather plus perimenopause I felt like I couldn’t get enough hydration no matter what! Purchased the 1oz size of this mist to try and it’s a game changer!! I just ordered the 4oz size during a sale. Never want to be without this during Fall and Winter.
Hi Michelle
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our Deep Hydrating Mist! Your enthusiasm is so cool and we really appreciate it! One of our customers in the UK gave us the idea so all the credit truly goes to her. We're so happy to hear that it's been a game changer for your winter skin struggles.
We hope it continues to provide the hydration you need during this season.
Thank you for your continued support and we're glad you took advantage of our sale to stock up on the larger size.
Have a great day and a beautiful weekend.
I've never not loved Garden of Wisdom products 100%, and this is no exception... I alternate the C3 Elixir with other GoW products (the C3 does great on off-days that I don't use peptides), and it's been a great addition to my skin's arsenal. Some products can be drying or irritating to my skin but this isn't, at all!
I have to say... Markey and the entire team at Garden of Wisdom is a blessing. They do what they do out of a passion for helping people, and crafting high-quality, clean and safe products, at an affordable price - along with the utmost customer service (and I love the little hand-written notes I get with each order :)
Thank you, Markey, Leah, Jen, and the rest of your awesome team. xo
Jamie •ᴗ•
Thank you so much for sharing this. It means more than you know. We pour so much care into every formula, and hearing that the C³ Lipid Elixir is fitting so comfortably into your routine truly warms our hearts. We’re always mindful of creating products that feel gentle, effective, and trustworthy on the skin, and feedback like yours reminds our whole team why we do what we do.
Your kind words about our little notes and our customer service touched us deeply. From all of us here at Garden of Wisdom, thank you for being part of our community and for letting us support you on your skincare journey.
Your Team @ Garden of Wisdom
I really like the smell, and I trust that the essential oils are doing their job in treating my face to luxury.
Diane 😊
I'm personally not a fan of geranium or rose (scent not the results which are quite amazing) but when clended with the Carrot Seed Hydrosol, well, the hydration and moisture for my old, elderly, somewhat challenging skin has always been a go to for me.
NOTE: There are no essential oils added to our hydrosols. However, because hydrosols are produced through steam distillation of herbs and flowers, they naturally contain trace amounts of the plant’s volatile aromatic compounds. These are not added essential oils, just the minute, inherent constituents that occur naturally during distillation.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
This Hair Oil is very nourishing and lightweight. I use it as a finishing touch to add shine and condition. Thank you!
Erika, thank you SO much I adore this product but not enough people have given it a go.
Hopefully, your review will help those searching for an affordable and delightful hair oil to land here.
We are grateful for your long history with us.
Your Team here @ Garden of Wisdom
I have developed rosacea in the last couple of years and I’ve struggled to find any products that truly helped heal my skin. My skin was dry, irritated, and felt like sandpaper. It seemed like nothing would absorb or make my skin feel hydrated. I’ve seen a dermatologist and have been prescribed multiple creams that have made my skin feel worse and I could never stick with them. I’ve used GoW products on and off for years but finally got fed up with the prescription route and decided to find a natural routine and stick with it. I’ve been using this serum twice a day with an oil blend as moisturizer and also incorporated a hypochlorous acid spray. The rosacea serum has been the thing that has saved my skin. In less than 2 weeks, my skin is no longer red and no longer feels like sandpaper. It’s plump and hydrated. Before, on close inspection, it looked like every pore on my face was clogged and had a layer of red, dry skin. That is nearly gone. This serum is incredible.
Rosacea Serum
Gianna
There's something about coconut vinegar that just hits right...
I LOVE to close my eyes and spray all of the Coco tonics on my face after washing it. It smells amazing and makes it so less is more as you move forward with serums and creams. It's like self-care in a spritzer.
CoCoFen Clarifying Tonic
Gianna
The scent to rival all scent-sations!
It is the most DIVINE of all the serums I've tried at GoW, not only due to it's efficacy, but the scent takes you straight into a rose garden on a mild spring day. Lovely feeling on my skin and to my senses.
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Anonymous
FirmAge 5% DMAE
Thiis product is a game changer. I am addicted! I apply it morning and evening. I wake up every day to tighter skin. I cannot see my pores anymore. My jawl line seems smoother and tighter, along with my neck and chin. I wish I had a before and after! I give it a 10/10!
FirmAge 5% DMAE Gel - Sagging Skin Support Tightening and Firming