THE CHALLENGE - DISCOLORATION

Complexion discolorations including dark spots, age spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation are difficult to treat topically.

The best dark spot treatment protocol begins with healthier cell turnover to help eliminate surface discolorations. Normalizing and accelerating cell turnover brings fresher, newer skin cells to the surface. The visible result is brighter, smoother skin and enhanced resiliency against future discoloration triggers. Restoring a healthy cellular renewal cycle to eliminate surface discoloration will result in brighter + smoother skin. At the same time, normalizing complexion evening will promote skin's resiliency against future discoloration triggers.

the solution - ZO'S RETINOL EXPERTISE

Our Retinol Skin Brightener system is powered by three strengths of retinol that are formulated to address your preference, tolerance and intensity of dark spots and other forms of discoloration. Relying on ZO’s decades of expertise in the use of topical retinol for face, we amplified the formulas with Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, to maximize efficacy and rapidly improve the look of uneven skin tone. Retinol Skin Brightener is clinically proven to reveal a brighter, clearer and smoother complexion.
Retinol Skin Brightener - all three strengths

introducing reformulated retinol skin brightener


Our reformulated Retinol Skin Brightener is available in three retinol strengths to meet your skin’s tolerance level and address your unique skin concerns, including the intensity and prevalence of dark spots and other forms of complexion discoloration.


  • Promotes exfoliation to eliminate uneven skin tone and improve skin smoothness

  • Supports skin’s resiliency against future discoloration aggressors

  • Specially encapsulated to deliver a targeted, controlled release of retinol for maximized brightening

  • Contains calming + soothing properties for improved product experience

Retinol Skin Brightener 0.25%
- For beginners
- For users with very sensitized skin
- Step up to Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5% after the first bottle

Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5%
- For regular retinol users
- Step up to Retinol Skin Brightener 1% after the first bottle

Retinol Skin Brightener 1%
- For advanced retinol users
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Retinol Skin Brightener swatch

ingredient spotlight


Encapsulated retinol is amplified with Bakuchiol to optimize your visible results for a brighter, clearer, more even looking skin tone. Learn more about the key ingredients in this clinically proven formula.


  • A form of vitamin A, retinol is a proven and well-research ingredient with skin benefits ranging from brightening to cell turnover and diminished signs of aging.

  • Eliminates uneven skin tone and improves skin smoothness.

  • Specially encapsulated to sustain and maximize efficacy while targeting forms of discoloration.

  • Complements retinol for more even skin tone and diminished signs of aging.

  • Amplifies brightening without causing added reactions, even at higher retinol concentrations.

  • Contains calming and soothing properties for enhanced tolerability.

  • Supports skin's resiliency against future discoloration triggers.
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Retinol Skin Brightener model image

tips for usage


As one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, retinol has the power to visibly transform your complexion. Even so, results take time. Whether you need a retinol cream for beginners or are an experienced retinol user, it is essential to gauge your skin’s tolerance for it and gradually increase use. Adding the appropriate strength of ZO® Retinol Skin Brightener to your routine ideally balances skin tolerability with results you can see.


All skins can benefit from retinol. The key to attaining visible results is to gradually build your skin’s tolerance for it. Depending on your ability to tolerate retinol, you may experience redness, flakiness, dryness and other common signs of irritation. Due to its potency, moderate sensitivity is to be expected.

Some sensitivity when first starting to use retinol is normal. The amount of time it takes to build a tolerance to retinol varies from person to person. However, how your own skin reacts can be controlled by adjusting product strength and usage frequency. Over time, your skin will become accustomed to retinol, revealing a smoother, more even-toned and youthful-looking complexion.


ZO® has decades of expertise in the use of topical retinol for face. To moderate signs of sensitivity, we recommend pairing your Retinol Skin Brightener with one of our proven functional hydrators as well as an SPF to protect against photosensitivity.

ZO® FUNCTIONAL HYDRATORS


ZO® SUNSCREENS
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Clinically Proven Results

Precision-driven innovation provides fast onset of effective results as well as improved potency + product strength

SKIN TONE
SMOOTHNESS
WEEK 8
BASELINE
SKIN TONE - 85% OF PATIENTS SAID THAT SKIN TONE IS VISIBLY EVEN BY WEEK 12

week 4
Baseline
SMOOTHNESS - 96% of patients saw a visible improvement in skin smoothness by week 8
Doucer 96% des patients ont constate une amelioratiob visible de la doucer de leur peau a la semaine 8

PROTOCOL: a 12-week independent third-party clinical study of 46 participants to assess the efficacy potential of Retinol Skin Brightener. Participants represent females, ages 40-64, with Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV. Supported with the use of Gentle Cleanser, Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 and Hydrating Crème during the study.