Adding Brightening Ingredients for Dullness and Redness

Okay, I understand you'd like to enhance the brightening effects of your formula, especially considering your concerns about dullness from pollution and sun exposure, and redness from occasional acne. You're looking for ingredient recommendations to achieve a more radiant complexion.

Your current formula already includes Niacinamide and Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract (Licorice), both of which contribute to brightening and reducing redness and irritation.

To further address dullness and uneven skin tone, here are a couple of brightening ingredients that could be suitable additions to your formula:

• Pep-Even™ (Tetrapeptide-30): This peptide works by inhibiting the transfer of pigment (melanin) from the pigment-producing cells to the skin cells on the surface. This helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which can result from sun exposure and inflammation (like acne). It is water-soluble and can be used at a concentration of 0.5-5.0%.
• Hexylresorcinol AF: This is a potent brightening agent that works at multiple stages of the melanin production process. It helps to reduce the formation of pigment and also aids in the shedding of pigmented skin cells. It is noted for being effective yet non-irritating, making it a good option for skin prone to redness. It is water-soluble and can be used at a concentration of 1-3%.

Both of these ingredients are water-soluble and should integrate well into your existing formula base. You could choose one or potentially include both, depending on your desired potency and formulation goals.

Remember to always follow the recommended usage rates for each ingredient and ensure your formula includes a preservative, such as the Mild Preserved Eco at 1% as previously suggested by the staff, to maintain stability and safety.