Whitening products are a common sight in every drugstore and skincare shop since one of the desires of many Filipinos is to achieve fair skin. Due to increased sun exposure, stress, pollution, or an unhealthy diet, discoloration or damage to the skin may arise. A practical solution to even out and brighten the skin is to use whitening lotions.
In this article, with the guidance of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Krizia Ty, we'll discuss the things you need to look for when choosing a whitening lotion that's safe and effective. Also, check out mybest's picks for the best whitening lotions you can buy on Lazada and Shopee now!
Quick List - Top Whitening Lotions
Vaseline
Flawless Bright: 10X More Powerful Than Vitamin C for Radiant Skin
Luxe Organix
Brighten, Protect, and Renew — Unlock Your Youthful Glow
Dr. Krizia Ty is a board-certified dermatologist from Manila, Philippines, who is passionate about skincare and would love to help everyone achieve healthy skin, one patient at a time. She is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently practicing in several commercial clinics in Manila catering to both medical and cosmetic dermatologic concerns. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook or send her a message for more details on her practice.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
When it comes to choosing a whitening lotion, it's essential to focus on ingredients that are both safe and effective. According to Dr. Krizia, there are several proven whitening ingredients to look out for:
Tyrosinase blockers: These ingredients target and block tyrosinase, which is the enzyme responsible for melanin production in the deeper layers of the skin.
Melanin transfer prevention: Some ingredients help prevent the transfer of melanin from the deeper layers to the upper layers of the skin
Exfoliants: These ingredients help remove dark spots and pigmentation by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin.
Retinoids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA), and Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHA)
If you have sensitive skin, it is best to practice caution when applying whitening lotions, especially if they have concentrated ingredients. This may cause irritation that could further lead to more pigmentation.
Hydroquinone is the gold standard when it comes to lightening pigmentation the fastest and most effectively. However, it may possibly lead to a lot of unwanted side effects like exogenous ochronosis if not used under the supervision of a dermatologist, especially for concentrations 4% and above.
Avoid using whitening lotions that contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity during the daytime, such as retinoids, hydroquinone, AHA, and BHA. Use them at bedtime instead.
Skin that is properly moisturized equates to healthy and well-nourished skin. To achieve that, look for whitening lotions with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, dimethicone, and shea butter. Dermatologists emphasize that these ingredients are vital in maintaining skin hydration, strengthening the skin barrier, and preventing dryness or irritation.
Moisturizers can be categorized into 3 kinds: emollients, humectants & occlusives. A lotion with good moisturizing properties usually contains a combination of the 3 kinds to ensure adequate hydration for the skin. Emollients penetrate the spaces in between skin cells to repair and restore the skin barrier (examples: ceramides, dimethicone).
Humectants attract water both from the atmosphere and from the dermis (deeper skin layer) to provide moisture to the epidermis (upper skin layer) (examples: hyaluronic acid/sodium hyaluronate, urea, glycerin). Occlusives create a water-resistant cover on the topmost layer of the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss (examples: petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, oils).
To make sure you get genuine products, getting your whitening lotion from a trusted and well-known brand or shop is your best bet. Be careful when making purchases abroad. For one, your knowledge of the language may not be enough to sufficiently judge the trustworthiness of the product, and you might misunderstand the usage instructions.
Also, be wary of overly exaggerated claims and avoid products that contain questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. If the product sells for a very low price, it might be too good to be true. Again, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Authentic skincare products may sometimes be a bit pricey, but it's usually because they underwent extensive research & development to include the appropriate active ingredients in concentrations that are tolerated well by the skin and have clinical studies showing their efficacy & safety, which makes them worth the investment.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Whitening Ingredients | Other Features | Free From | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Vaseline Gluta Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Bright|Dewy Radiance | ![]() | Flawless Bright: 10X More Powerful Than Vitamin C for Radiant Skin | Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Petrolatum, Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil | Niacinamide, Glutathione, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), GlutaGlow technology, Sodium Hyaluronate | Uses serum burst technology, clinically proven | Sulfates、Alcohol | 200 mL | |
2 | Belo Essentials Whitening Lotion | ![]() | Brighten and Protect Your Skin, All Day Long | Glycerin, Vitamins D and E | Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Niacinamide, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract | Micro-encapsulated Technology and SPF 30 | Paraben | 200 mL | |
3 | SnailWhite Body Booster | ![]() | Glow Protected, Skin Perfected — Your Daily Body Boost | Snail Secretion Filtrate (Snail Mucin), Ceramide, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Astaxanthin and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Niacinamide, Snail Secretion Filtrate (Snail Mucin, Ceramide, Astaxanthin, Centella Asiatica Extract | Suitable for all skin types | unknown | 350 mL | |
4 | Luxe Organix Niacinamide + Tranexamic Acid Youthful Glow Whitening Serum Lotion | ![]() | Brighten, Protect, and Renew — Unlock Your Youthful Glow | Allantoin, Panthenol, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid | Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid: , Vitamin E, Allantoin, Panthenol, and Ectoin | Suitable for daily use on the entire body after bathing or showering, ideal for daytime application | Parabens、Sulfates、Alcohol | 200 mL | |
5 | Cetaphil Brightening Body Lotion | ![]() | Unlock Your Skin's Radiance: Brighten, Even Tone, Hydrate | Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), White Sea Daffodil Extract , Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract and Tricholoma Matsutake Extract | Includes a blend of botanical extracts | Parabens, Fragrance | 245 mL | |
6 | Fresh Skinlab Milk White Glutathione Body Lotion | ![]() | Brighten and Nourish Your Skin with the Power of Glutathione | Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil),Dimethicone, Beeswax, Milk Extract, Niacinamide | Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ceteareth-25, Dimethicone | Bioactive milk protein extract | Parabens、Sulfates、Alcohol | 480 mL | |
7 | Glutamax Instant Whitening Lotion | ![]() | Instant Whitening Lotion with Nano White Technology | Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Linolenic Acid, Niacinamide Arbutin | Nanowhite Technology, Superox-C, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin B3 | The lotion also contains Vitamin C | unknown | 75 mL | |
8 | Kojiesan Skin Lightening Body Lotion with Hydromoist | ![]() | Brighten, Protect, and Hydrate — Your Glow, All Day Long | Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Saccharide Isomerate, Collagen, Niacinamide | Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Tocopheryl Acetate | Best used with other Kojiesan products | Parabens | 250 mL | |
9 | Abonne Niacinamide Lotion | ![]() | Glow Brighter, Feel Firmer—Every Pump, Every Day | Milk Protein / Milk Extract, 20X Collagen Tripeptide:, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer | Niacinamide, Collagen Tripeptide (20X concentration), SPF 20 (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide) | Mineral oil | Parabens, Sulfates | 500 mL | |
10 | Garnier Light Complete Body Lotion | ![]() | Glow Bright, Feel Light – Garnier Light Complete | Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) | Lemon Essence (Citrus Medica Limonum Extract / Lemon Fruit Extract), Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside), Bifida Ferment Lysate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Titanium Dioxide | Skin conditioning ingredients | Parabens、Sulfates | 400 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Its lightweight, non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly and provides effective hydration. It gives the skin a flawless, bright, and even-toned appearance, with some noting a reduction in dark spots and improved skin clarity over time. However, a few users find it a bit pricey for a Vaseline product and note that it can run out quickly with daily use.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Petrolatum, Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Glutathione, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), GlutaGlow technology, Sodium Hyaluronate |
Other Features | Uses serum burst technology, clinically proven |
Free From | Sulfates、Alcohol |
Net Weight | 200 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The lotion is praised for its effective skin brightening visible within seven days, moisturizing properties, making skin feel smooth and nourished. However, some criticisms include that the whitening effect may be subtle for some users and concerns about the lotion being slightly oily or heavy for those with oily skin types, though these are not universal complaints.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Vitamins D and E |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Niacinamide, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract |
Other Features | Micro-encapsulated Technology and SPF 30 |
Free From | Paraben |
Net Weight | 200 mL |
Reviews mention:
The lotion is praised for its nourishing formula, which help brighten, firm, and hydrate the skin while providing broad-spectrum protection. Users appreciate its lightweight, non-sticky texture, pleasant floral scent, and instant brightening effect. However, some with very dry or flaky skin note that hydration could be improved, and the product's thick texture may initially cause concern for absorption, though it ultimately blends well without patchiness.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Snail Secretion Filtrate (Snail Mucin), Ceramide, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Astaxanthin and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Snail Secretion Filtrate (Snail Mucin, Ceramide, Astaxanthin, Centella Asiatica Extract |
Other Features | Suitable for all skin types |
Free From | unknown |
Net Weight | 350 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The serum is praised for its lightweight, non-sticky, and moisturizing formula while improving skin elasticity and hydration for a youthful glow. Users appreciate its pleasant scent, smooth finish, and effective brightening effects, and various skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and aging. However, some criticism points to its thicker consistency and dryness upon application,.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Allantoin, Panthenol, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid: , Vitamin E, Allantoin, Panthenol, and Ectoin |
Other Features | Suitable for daily use on the entire body after bathing or showering, ideal for daytime application |
Free From | Parabens、Sulfates、Alcohol |
Net Weight | 200 mL |
Reviews mention:
The lotion is praised for its gentle, non-irritating formula enriched with niacinamide and sea daffodil extract that effectively hydrates and brightens sensitive skin, leaving it smooth and visibly more even-toned after consistent use. However, some users note that while the lotion is light and fragrance-free, the brightening effects are gradual and may require several weeks to see noticeable results.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), White Sea Daffodil Extract , Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract and Tricholoma Matsutake Extract |
Other Features | Includes a blend of botanical extracts |
Free From | Parabens, Fragrance |
Net Weight | 245 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The lotion effectively moisturizes and smoothens the skin, has a pleasant milk scent that lasts for about an hour, absorbs well into the skin. On the other side, the texture is thick and sticky, did not observe significant skin whitening, it is not fragrance-free, not be ideal for use in hot, tropical climates.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil),Dimethicone, Beeswax, Milk Extract, Niacinamide |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ceteareth-25, Dimethicone |
Other Features | Bioactive milk protein extract |
Free From | Parabens、Sulfates、Alcohol |
Net Weight | 480 mL |
Reviews mention:
The lotion has a non-sticky formula, is rich with moisturizers, and provides sun protection, effectively whitening skin in a minute and concealing dark spots. It contains Nano White Technology and Superox-C, which help to inhibit pigmentation, reduce melanin synthesis, and brighten skin tone. Some reviewers did not see any significant whitening results after using the product.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Linolenic Acid, Niacinamide Arbutin |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Nanowhite Technology, Superox-C, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin B3 |
Other Features | The lotion also contains Vitamin C |
Free From | unknown |
Net Weight | 75 mL |
Reviews mention:
The lotion is praised for its light, non-greasy formula that absorbs easily, effectively moisturizes, and provides UVA/UVB protection while helping to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone within about 7 days. However, some users may find the fragrance present in the lotion less suitable if they prefer fragrance-free products, and results can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Saccharide Isomerate, Collagen, Niacinamide |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Tocopheryl Acetate |
Other Features | Best used with other Kojiesan products |
Free From | Parabens |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The lotion is well-liked for its moisturizing, brightening, and skin-smoothing benefits with a lightweight, non-greasy formula and convenient packaging. Some users note the fragrance and price as minor drawbacks, and results may take some time to become noticeable.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Milk Protein / Milk Extract, 20X Collagen Tripeptide:, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Collagen Tripeptide (20X concentration), SPF 20 (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide) |
Other Features | Mineral oil |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate its pleasant, mild lemon fragrance and lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without leaving an oily or greasy residue. It hydrates skin effectively, leaving it soft, supple, and nourished throughout the day. Some users report the lotion peeling or flaking when massaged too much, which affects the appearance temporarily. Contains alcohol and mineral oil, which may not be suitable for dry or sensitive skin and can cause irritation or dehydration for some.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) |
---|---|
Whitening Ingredients | Lemon Essence (Citrus Medica Limonum Extract / Lemon Fruit Extract), Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside), Bifida Ferment Lysate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Titanium Dioxide |
Other Features | Skin conditioning ingredients |
Free From | Parabens、Sulfates |
Net Weight | 400 mL |
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Krizia Ty.
With continued use, results can be more visible within 2-4 months, the usual time it takes for skincare products to take effect on one's skin. However, it will depend on several factors:
The whitening lotion can work as fast as within 4 weeks if you are using a whitening lotion that contains agents that are scientifically proven to reduce pigmentation in the proper concentration, you are relatively younger with a normal skin turnover rate of around 28 days, you are consistent with daily application of the lotion, and you are diligent with sun protection. Otherwise, it will take more than 4 weeks.
Bleaching is not the same as whitening, lightening, or brightening. Bleaching involves the use of harsh chemicals or products to change the natural color of your skin. Examples of bleaching agents include mercury and monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, so avoid using products with these ingredients as much as possible.
Whitening, lightening, or brightening involves the use of products to reduce pigmentation on more pigmented areas and is not meant to change the color of your skin. Whitening lotions that contain the ingredients mentioned previously are used only for improving the appearance of dark spots and evening out the color of your natural skin.
If the whitening lotion contains tretinoin/retinol or its derivatives and hydroquinone or its derivatives such as arbutin & tranexamic acid, they are not safe to use because these agents are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Whitening agents that are safe to use during pregnancy include vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and kojic acid, so whitening lotions containing these may be used while pregnant.
No matter what your concern or your skin type is, SPF is a must. A whitening lotion with sunscreen incorporated is ideal, but it should have at least SPF 30, and keep in mind that it should be reapplied every 2-3 hours when sweating or swimming. If it has less than SPF 30, it's better to use a separate sunscreen to be applied on top of the whitening lotion.
Avoid experimenting with food-grade body scrubs, citrus extracts, or oils to lighten your skin, as these may do more harm than good. A natural or herbal product is not necessarily safer for the skin. Sometimes they can cause irritations/allergic reactions, which may result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation negating all your efforts to lighten it.
It's best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can guide you on which ingredients and formulations are backed up by scientific evidence and have the least risk of causing unwanted side effects. Dermatologists only want what works best for your skin!
As we said throughout the article, we can't stress enough how protecting our skin from the sun is of utmost importance if anti-aging and preventing skin damage is your concern. Check out the links below for items you can use to shield yourself from the sun and beat the summer heat.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Vaseline|Gluta Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Bright|Dewy Radiance
No. 2: Belo Essentials|Whitening Lotion
No. 3: SnailWhite|Body Booster
No. 4: Luxe Organix|Niacinamide + Tranexamic Acid Youthful Glow Whitening Serum Lotion
No. 5: Cetaphil|Brightening Body Lotion
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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