This New Proven Skin Brightening Ingredient Is More Powerful Than Vitamin C

At one time or another, most of us have battled pigmentation issues. Whether it’s a dark mark left behind in the wake of a blemish, or a brown spot that suddenly appears after too much sun exposure, hyperpigmentation is never a good thing.

In a crowded category of skin brighteners, the usual go-to choices include various types of vitamin C along with niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice, arbutin, doctor-prescribed hydroquinone, and azelaic acid. For years, these ingredients have reigned supreme, but the founders of biotech skincare brand Mother Science have discovered how to harness the innate lightening powers of a little known, natural molecule in a game-changing way.

Learn how this irritation-free discovery has 10 times more antioxidant power than vitamin C and reduces dark spots and fine lines while improving your skin’s own moisture barrier…

How a Skin Condition Spurred Curiosity

In 2016, Mother Science cofounder Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger developed tinea versicolor (aka pityriasis versicolor) – a skin condition caused by Malassezia furfur, a type of naturally-occurring yeast. As a violinist, Simpson-Einziger was touring India at the time and learned the white spots on her back were due to “the climate, plus wearing occlusive clothing during performances.”

Tinea versicolor is often treated with antifungal shampoo and/or oral medication. “The affected areas will regain pigmentation within weeks to months depending on how long the skin was affected and the season. Pigmentation will return quicker when treated in summer months,” Elyse Love, MD tells Beautytap.

Transforming Bane Into Boon

Eliminating the condition would satisfy most people, but Simpson-Einziger’s background in biology, physics, and chemistry sparked an ingenious hypothesis: Could the very thing creating the hypopigmented spots “be used intentionally to reduce the look of dark spots on the skin?

Together with husband Mike Einziger – who studied science at Harvard and is also the founding guitarist for Incubus – and a dedicated team of talented scientists, they proved that Malassezin lightens dark spots in as little as two to four weeks!

A Series of Firsts for Mother Science

It’s one thing to discover a unique compound that occurs naturally in or on the body, but it takes an entirely next-level skillset to develop that same compound in the lab and to prove its efficacy. Mother Science may not have discovered Malassezin, but the brand was the first to figure out how to use it to reduce hyperpigmentation.

“We are the first and only brand to investigate, develop, and harness Malassezin for use in skincare,” Simpson-Einziger shares with Beautytap. “Through our research and development process, not only did we demonstrate clinically how Malassezin works, but we were also able to secure the exclusive patent for any use of Malassezin. Mother Science is the only company in the world that can use Malassezin for any purpose.”

Malassezin Works Differently Than Tyrosinase Inhibitors

If you have Fitzpatrick skin type 2–5 and have been frustrated by poor results from traditional tyrosinase inhibitors – ingredients that interfere with the body’s ability to create melanin – listen up. “Malassezin works through a novel mechanism that primarily targets hyperpigmented skin,” says Dr. Love. “In clinical studies, baseline skin tone was maintained,” she adds. In a nutshell, that’s derm-speak for successfully reducing the appearance of dark spots without lightening the surrounding skin.

And the news gets even better! “Skin brighteners interfere at multiple points in the process. Since Malassezin works by a different pathway [than commonly used lightening agents] it is an effective synergistic option for those looking for additional benefits, an alternative option for those who have not seen improvement with these ingredients, and a gentler but still highly efficacious option for those with sensitive skin.”

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum and Retinol Synergist

Barely a year has passed since Mother Science launched its Molecular Hero Serum, and it has already garnered a 2023 award from Glamour and another from NewBeauty for 2024.

And you remember that synergy concept from earlier? Simpson-Einziger and the Mother Science team recognized early on that Malassezin had the potential to play well with other ingredients. “With all the research we did on Malassezin, we quickly realized that it did more than address hyperpigmentation and sun damage. We saw that this powerhouse ingredient also was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on its own. Retinol has been a gold standard ingredient for decades; however, many people cannot tolerate it. Through our research, we found that Malassezin effectively minimized some of the negative effects from the retinization period of the retinol by supporting the health of the skin barrier and calming the skin.”

Hence, the brand’s latest launch – Retinol Synergist. By combining encapsulated retinol and Malassezin with moisture-enhancing ceramides, you can address both pigmentation and textural concerns without the irritation or inherent dryness associated with standalone retinoids and brightening products.

Consistency Is Key

We all know there’s no quick fix for anything, and that goes for skincare as well. To maintain a healthy body, you need to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Trust me when I say, hyperpigmentation returns when you discontinue treatment, which makes finding an aesthetically pleasing, efficacious formula key.

Malassezin not only works more effectively than many vitamin C products, but it’s also non-sticky and gives the skin a smooth, even, slightly matte finish unlike anything I’ve encountered as a professional skincare writer. Look for more from Mother Science. Those curious minds are hard at work running more trials, and my money’s on Malassezin.