Product Deep Dive
Product Deep Dive
What does this alpha arbutin and licorice extract serum do?
This serum combines 2% alpha arbutin with 2% licorice extract to target hyperpigmentation from two angles at once. Both work by inhibiting melanin production, while licorice extract also calms inflammation that can trigger new pigmentation. It suits melasma, sun spots and post-acne marks, and is gentle enough for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Struggling with stubborn dark spots, melasma, post-acne marks, or sun-induced hyperpigmentation? Our alpha arbutin serum combines 2% alpha arbutin with 2% licorice extract, a synergistic, plant-powered duo that brightens, evens skin tone, and reduces discoloration gently and effectively. This fragrance-free, lightweight formula is ideal for sensitive skin, daily routines, and long-term use, offering visible radiance without the irritation of harsher brighteners like hydroquinone.
2% Alpha Arbutin: Safe, Potent Melanin Inhibitor
Alpha arbutin, a stable derivative of hydroquinone found in bearberry plants, is widely regarded as one of the best gentle brightening agents. At 2%, a clinically supported and optimal concentration for most users, it works by competitively inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin production. This reduces the formation of new pigment while fading existing dark spots, age spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Studies and dermatological insights show alpha arbutin visibly evens tone, improves radiance, and lightens discoloration with consistent use, often in 4 to 12 weeks. Unlike stronger actives, it's low-irritation, non-photosensitizing, and suitable for all skin tones and types, making it a top choice for melasma and acne scar fading.
2% Licorice Extract: Natural Soother and Brightening Booster
Derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra root, licorice extract is packed with glabridin, a powerful flavonoid that also inhibits tyrosinase to suppress melanin synthesis. At 2%, it delivers effective brightening while providing strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Licorice calms redness, reduces irritation, soothes sensitive or reactive skin, and helps prevent new pigmentation triggered by inflammation. Its gentle nature makes it excellent for rosacea-prone or post-treatment skin, enhancing overall glow and barrier health without dryness or stinging.
Why This Combination Delivers Superior Brightening Results
Together, alpha arbutin and licorice extract target hyperpigmentation through multiple pathways: blocking tyrosinase, reducing melanin transfer, and calming inflammatory triggers that worsen spots. This natural synergy amplifies fading of dark spots, melasma, and uneven tone while minimizing side effects, perfect for those avoiding aggressive treatments. Users often report brighter, more balanced complexion with reduced dullness and smoother texture over time.
2% Alpha Arbutin + 2% Licorice Extract Serum
Type: Serum
Reveal even, radiant skin with our targeted dark spot serum — 2% alpha arbutin + 2% licorice extract. This clean, water-based formula gently inhibits melanin production to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, post-acne marks, and sun spots while brightening overall tone. Alpha arbutin blocks tyrosinase for visible spot reduction, and licorice extract (rich in glabridin) enhances brightening, calms inflammation, and soothes redness without irritation. Perfect for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.
Key benefits
Key benefits
Fades Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation: Targets melanin for clearer, more even complexion.
Brightens & Evens Tone: Reduces dullness and discoloration naturally.
Soothing & Gentle: Anti-inflammatory licorice calms while delivering glow.
Suitable skin types
Suitable skin types
- Oily
- Dry
- Sensitive
- Combination
Product Deep Dive
Product Deep Dive
What does this alpha arbutin and licorice extract serum do?
This serum combines 2% alpha arbutin with 2% licorice extract to target hyperpigmentation from two angles at once. Both work by inhibiting melanin production, while licorice extract also calms inflammation that can trigger new pigmentation. It suits melasma, sun spots and post-acne marks, and is gentle enough for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Struggling with stubborn dark spots, melasma, post-acne marks, or sun-induced hyperpigmentation? Our alpha arbutin serum combines 2% alpha arbutin with 2% licorice extract, a synergistic, plant-powered duo that brightens, evens skin tone, and reduces discoloration gently and effectively. This fragrance-free, lightweight formula is ideal for sensitive skin, daily routines, and long-term use, offering visible radiance without the irritation of harsher brighteners like hydroquinone.
2% Alpha Arbutin: Safe, Potent Melanin Inhibitor
Alpha arbutin, a stable derivative of hydroquinone found in bearberry plants, is widely regarded as one of the best gentle brightening agents. At 2%, a clinically supported and optimal concentration for most users, it works by competitively inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin production. This reduces the formation of new pigment while fading existing dark spots, age spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Studies and dermatological insights show alpha arbutin visibly evens tone, improves radiance, and lightens discoloration with consistent use, often in 4 to 12 weeks. Unlike stronger actives, it's low-irritation, non-photosensitizing, and suitable for all skin tones and types, making it a top choice for melasma and acne scar fading.
2% Licorice Extract: Natural Soother and Brightening Booster
Derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra root, licorice extract is packed with glabridin, a powerful flavonoid that also inhibits tyrosinase to suppress melanin synthesis. At 2%, it delivers effective brightening while providing strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Licorice calms redness, reduces irritation, soothes sensitive or reactive skin, and helps prevent new pigmentation triggered by inflammation. Its gentle nature makes it excellent for rosacea-prone or post-treatment skin, enhancing overall glow and barrier health without dryness or stinging.
Why This Combination Delivers Superior Brightening Results
Together, alpha arbutin and licorice extract target hyperpigmentation through multiple pathways: blocking tyrosinase, reducing melanin transfer, and calming inflammatory triggers that worsen spots. This natural synergy amplifies fading of dark spots, melasma, and uneven tone while minimizing side effects, perfect for those avoiding aggressive treatments. Users often report brighter, more balanced complexion with reduced dullness and smoother texture over time.
How to use
How to use
After cleansing, apply 2–3 drops to face and neck. Gently pat in until absorbed, then follow with moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (essential daytime to protect against UV-triggered pigmentation). Use AM and/or PM. Start daily; it's gentle enough for beginners. Visible improvements in spot fading and tone often begin in 4–8 weeks, with best results after 12+ weeks of consistent application.
Hero Ingredients
Hero Ingredients
- 2% Alpha Arbutin
- 2% Niacinamide
- 3% Hyaluronic Acid
- 2% Licorice Extract
Suitable product combinations
Suitable product combinations
- 5% Lactic Acid
- 6% Niacinamide
- 0,3% Retinol
Ingredient List
Ingredient List
Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid Cross Polymer, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Raspberry Extract, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
We are
We are
- Vegan friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Cosmeceutical grade
- Fragrance-free
- Made in South Africa
Tips
Tips
N/A
Dermatologist-tested to ensure optimal skin compatibility and efficacy. This formulation has been independently evaluated to confirm its safety and performance across a range of skin types.
2% Alpha Arbutin + 2% Licorice Extract Serum
- 5 stars: 123 (86%)
- 4 stars: 17 (12%)
- 3 stars: 3 (2%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
There is so much improvement. I use it with Azelaic Acid Serum, Retinol+Tranexamic+Licorice Extract, Lactic Acid Exfoliator, Raspberry Extract Moisturiser and Sunscreen. I also use the 5-in-1 Dermaroller once a month.
Alpha arbutin has been a great addition to my skincare routine. It’s lightweight, gentle on the skin, and absorbs quickly without feeling sticky. With consistent use, it helps fade dark spots and evens out skin tone over time, giving the skin a brighter, more balanced look. It works well alongside other skincare products and doesn’t cause irritation. Perfect for anyone looking to improve hyperpigmentation and achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion.
This product is part of my monthly essentials grocery list. A must have in my opinion.
It has really made a difference in the hyperpigmentation I've been fighting
I have been using this for a year and a half now and my pigmentation is nearly gone. I had a lot of pigmentation on my forehead and cheeks after giving birth and this helped so much to get rid of the pigmentation
I highly recommend this one,the best!!!
Great product.
I forgot how good this was for my face, it's truly a game changer!
I have sensitive skin but my face loves this.
So, thank you skin fundamentals for your products, I would have given up on my face, I'm glad I came across you at the right time.
I feel my skin is better than before I started using it and there is a great improvement in the texture.
Amazing
My Skin looks flwaless, these products works and the skin screening was spot on because all my skin problems are almost gone.
Would definitely recommend. Sits so well on my skin and no irritation whatsoever!
Dark marks, who are you ?!
This is one of my staples, together with the Niacinamide. I buy two at a time to not run out.
A very good product to use for fading acne scars and value for your money.
This is my second time purchasing the serum, I loooooove it and how gentle it is on my skin .
I’m really loving the Fundamentals Skincare 2% Alpha Arbutin + 2% Licorice Extract Serum! ✨ It has a lightweight, water-based texture that absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky or heavy.
My skin feels hydrated, smooth and fresh after using it, and I love the healthy glow it gives my complexion. It’s especially nice for helping to improve the appearance of dark marks, uneven pigmentation and post-breakout marks over time. 🍃
The combination of alpha arbutin and licorice extract makes this such a lovely brightening serum, while the added niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help keep my skin feeling plump and hydrated.
It’s gentle enough to fit easily into my everyday routine and has definitely become one of my favourite Fundamentals products. 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Still early to tell and haven't used it much, but no skin irritation.
Too soon to tell on my hyoerpigmentation, but i have high hopes as all products are great
Third bottle. The best
Great product. All time favourite.
My skin loves it 😁
The best serum
Im enjoying the 2% alpha arbutin + 2% licorice extract serum so much.my skin is plump and glowing
Absorbs well and i have seen improvement on my skin
I love it
it come with small package i afraid that is not gonna last, my treatment will be interrupted
love it!
I bought this serum to try it out and I'm hooked! It leaves my face bright, hydrated and glowing, I love it.
I have been using the serum for the past 4 months and I have to say it has helped a lot with my hyperpigmentation. I love it so far
Very good for dark spots

