Demelan (Arbutin 5%, Glycolic 10% & Kojic 2%)

Demelan is Glenmark’s answer to dark spots, uneven dull skin tone and freckles. Demelan contains 3 active ingredients, alpha arbutin 5%, glycolic acid 10% and kojic acid 2% in a 20g tube. These ingredients are found in many branded products in Europe but the amount of arbutin and kojic acid found in these pricier products are at least half the strength found in Demelan. This makes Demelan both effective and excellent value for money.

Arbutin is a natural lightening agent extracted from berries, it takes 2 – 6 weeks to see its effects. It has recently grown hugely in popularity and is one of the reasons for  a relatively new  kid on the block’s success. However that particular Canadian company only sells Alpha arbutin 2% so will not be as effective, especially on darker skins.

Kojic acid, again this is a natural extract of mushrooms and fermenting rice which inhibits melanin production. In most branded cosmetic creams it is found at a concentration of 1%.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid or AHA and is extracted from plants such as sugar cane. Glycolic acid is an exfoliant which sloughs off dead skin cells to give a more radiant appearance. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines , wrinkles and scarring and plumps up the skin by boosting collagen production. Glycolic acid is found in low concentration of around 2% in cleansers, in face creams at around 5 – 20% and in peels at 30 – 40%.

It can be used alongside tretinoin cream if the Demelan is only used in the morning. As your skin becomes accustomed to the tretinoin both can also be applied at the same time.

How to use

Apply once or twice a day after cleansing

Side effects

Redness

Peeling

Irritation