Key Ingredients and Their Functions

Based on the ingredient list provided, this lotion contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing, skin-conditioning, and potential brightening properties.

• Potassium Methoxysalicylate (4MSK): This is a whitening agent developed by Shiseido. It works by targeting melanocytes to help reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin tone. It is often used in combination with other brightening ingredients.
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (VC-IP): These are stable forms of Vitamin C.
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a water-soluble form known for its brightening effects.
  • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (VC-IP) is an oil-soluble form that is well-absorbed by the skin. It offers multiple benefits, including skin brightening, antioxidant protection, and stimulating collagen synthesis.
• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: Derived from licorice extract, this ingredient is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It helps to soothe the skin and reduce irritation, contributing to a stronger skin barrier.
• Dimethicone: A type of silicone that provides a smooth, soft feel to the skin. It forms a protective barrier on the skin surface, helping to reduce water loss and improve skin texture without feeling sticky. Different viscosities (like Light/50, Light/20, Ultra Light/1.5) can affect the texture and feel of the product.
• Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Trehalose: These are humectants, ingredients that attract and retain moisture in the skin.
  • Glycerin is a very common and effective humectant that helps keep the skin hydrated and soft.
  • Butylene Glycol acts as a solvent and humectant, helping to improve the texture and spreadability of the product while providing moisture. It is considered gentler than Propylene Glycol.
  • Trehalose is a natural disaccharide that helps protect skin cells from dehydration and oxidative stress, enhancing skin hydration and barrier function.
• Betaine: Extracted from sugar beets, Betaine is a moisturizing and anti-irritant ingredient. It helps balance the skin's water content, reduces irritation, and can make the skin feel smoother. It is also known for its non-sticky humectant properties.
• Tocopheryl Acetate: This is a stable form of Vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant. It helps protect the skin from free radical damage and can also act as an antioxidant within the formulation itself to prevent ingredient degradation.

Other ingredients like Dipropylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Magnesium chloride, Calcium chloride, Behenyl Alcohol, Batyl alcohol, Carbomer, KOH, Sodium Pyrosulfite, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Benincasa Cerifera Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, and Parfum also contribute to the overall formulation, acting as solvents, emollients, thickeners, pH adjusters, preservatives, and fragrance. Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract and Benincasa Cerifera Seed Extract are plant extracts that may offer additional skin benefits, although specific details would depend on their concentration and the specific extract used.

Overall, the ZA TRUE WHITE EX ESSENCE LOTION appears to be formulated with a combination of ingredients aimed at providing hydration, improving skin texture, reducing irritation, and targeting skin brightening through multiple pathways, including the use of 4MSK and stable forms of Vitamin C.