QU BAN SHUI GAO - Skin Brightening Cream

Also known as: Qu Ban Shui Gao, Skin Brightening Cream, Dark Spot Brightening Cream, Overnight Brightening Moisturiser.

A night cream for uneven tone. Bakuchiol and stable vitamin C on the modern side, and the classical Chinese brightening group underneath: Bai Lian, Bai Zhu, Bai Ji, Bai Wei.

It leaves a faint film, which is why it is a night product.

What's doing the work

• Bakuchiol, from Psoralea corylifolia. In a randomised double-blind trial it performed comparably to 0.5% retinol on photoageing over 12 weeks with less scaling and stinging (Dhaliwal S et al, British Journal of Dermatology 2019;180(2):289-296). It is not a psoralen, so it does not carry that plant's photosensitivity.
• Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable vitamin C.
• Bai Lian (Ampelopsis japonica), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), Bai Ji (Bletilla striata) and Bai Wei (Cynanchum atratum), the classical white-herb brightening group.
• Sweet almond and apricot kernel oil for the base, with myrrh and frankincense resin oils.

How to use

Apply at night. Use Sha Ji Shui Gao during the day. Sunscreen is not optional with this one; sun undoes the work.

Pairs well with

Qu Ban Ding in the morning, Qu Ban Mian Mo as the weekly mask.

Full ingredients

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Nut Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Bakuchiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, C12-16 Alcohols, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ampelopsis Japonica Root Powder, Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Powder, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Syringa Oblata Affinis Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Extract, Yeast, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil, Boswellia Neglecta (Frankincense) Resin Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Limonene, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pantolactone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Linalool.

Ingredients as published by Dermatology M. Check the panel on the item you receive.

Good to know

• 30ml.
• Contains sweet almond oil. A tree nut, fourth on the list. Also contains shea nut butter and apricot kernel oil. Do not use if you have a tree nut allergy.
• Vegetarian, not vegan, per Dermatology M.
• Wear sunscreen daily.
• Patch test first. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Dermatology M, formulated by Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji. Selected and reviewed by Dr. Stacee Munroe, OMD, L.Ac. Cosmetic use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.