30ml

Pigmentation Range

Derma Bright
AHA Serum

Name: Derma Bright AHA Serum
Brand: SkinQ Rx

Multi-acid PM correction serum — accelerates cell turnover, reduces melanin, and clears melasma and PIH across 28 days

Step 3 · PM daily · Pigmentation Protocol · Melasma + PIH · Post-procedure correction

IN-VIVO Tested +35.3% Michaelsson Index N=36 Study 0 Adverse Events

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Step 3 in the Pigmentation Protocol, PM only — the chemical exfoliation and melanin correction layer used every evening. Lactic Acid and Malic Acid accelerate epidermal turnover to clear hyperpigmented cells while Kojic Dipalmitate and Licorice suppress melanin activity. Studied specifically on melasma and PIH, the two most prevalent pigmentation concerns in Indian skin.

Texture Fluid Serum

Frequency PM Daily

Pack Size 30ml

Study N N = 36

The Math of Beauty™ Add

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Clinical Monograph

Derma Bright AHA Serum

Pigmentation Range · Step 3 · 30ml · PM Daily

Indication

Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) on Indian skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI). Tan correction, dullness, uneven tone. Indicated as Step 3 in the Pigmentation Protocol — PM only. The chemical correction layer used every evening — accelerates pigmented cell turnover while suppressing tyrosinase activity.

Composition

Active	Form / Type	Purity	Function
Lactic Acid	Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)	88.2%	Cell turnover; pigmented cell desquamation
Malic Acid	Alpha-Hydroxy Acid	99.7%	Secondary AHA; deeper-layer cell turnover
Kojic Dipalmitate	Stabilised Kojic ester	98.3%	Tyrosinase inhibition; sustained-release
Licorice (Glabridin)	Glycyrrhiza Glabra	90%	Anti-inflammatory; UVB-induced pigmentation block

Mechanism of Action

A multi-acid PM correction system — Lactic + Malic Acid accelerate pigmented cell turnover, Kojic Dipalmitate blocks tyrosinase, Licorice provides anti-inflammatory brightening. Validated for melasma and PIH on Indian skin at Mascot Labs 2022.

Lactic Acid (88.2%) — breaks desmosomal bonds between hyperpigmented cells. Larger molecule than glycolic — safer for nightly use on Fitzpatrick IV–VI without rebound PIH risk. Drives the +35.3% Michaelsson Index improvement.

Malic Acid (99.7%) — slower, gentler penetration extends turnover into deeper epidermal layers. Contributes to +15.9% smoothness improvement.

Kojic Dipalmitate (98.3%) — esterified Kojic Acid, more stable than free form. Chelates copper at tyrosinase active site. Sustained-release through overnight application. Drives −5.3% melanin reduction at 28 days.

Licorice / Glabridin (90%) — inhibits UVB-induced pigmentation, reduces prostaglandin-driven PIH cascade. Calms AHA-adaptation contact irritation.

Dosage & Administration

Apply in the evening only — AHA is photosensitising and must not be used AM.
Apply to completely dry skin — wait 5 minutes after cleansing. Water dilutes the acid, reduces pH control.
Dispense 3–4 drops, apply to face avoiding eye contour. Do not apply to broken or actively inflamed skin.
Allow 2–3 minutes for full absorption. Mild tingling on first use is expected — resolves within 7–10 days.
On Derma Bright Mask nights (2× weekly), apply mask in place of this serum — do not layer both.

Frequency

PM Daily. Step 3 in the Pigmentation Protocol. On Derma Bright Mask nights, skip serum and apply mask instead — both contain exfoliating actives and should not be combined.

Protocol Position

Step 1Cleanse

Step 2 AMC15 Serum

Step 3 PMThis Product

Step 4 · 2× wkMask

Step 3 PM in the Pigmentation Protocol. C15+Ferulic handles AM antioxidant correction; this serum handles PM chemical correction.

AHA Adaptation Phase

First 2 weeks: Mild tingling or dryness on first use is normal — resolves within 7–10 days as skin adapts to acid pH. Apply thin layer on dry skin only, avoid eye contour, do not combine with retinoids on the same night. If sensitivity persists beyond 2 weeks, reduce to alternate nights and reassess.

Mandatory Next-Morning SPF

Photo Defense SPF50+ is non-negotiable the morning after AHA use. Without it, UV exposure causes direct rebound PIH in the freshly turned-over skin.

Contraindications

Do not use on the same evening as retinoids. Do not apply to broken, sunburned, or actively inflamed skin. Suspend 5 days before laser or peel procedures.

Clinical Evidence

N=36 · IN-VIVO · Mascot Labs 2022 · Melasma + PIH · Profilometry · Colorimetry · Mexameter · 28-day study

+35.3%

Michaelsson Index · 28 days

+15.9%

Smoothness · Profilometry · 28 days

−5.3%

Melanin · Mexameter · 28 days

0 AE

Across all 36 subjects

Adverse Events

0 AE reported across 36 subjects. No sensitisation, no rebound PIH. Validated on melasma and PIH patients.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight. Use within 6 months of opening. Do not freeze.

Derma BrightAHA Serum

Pair with these products

Prescribe the Pigmentation Protocol

Derma Bright
AHA Serum