{"id":605383295282,"title":"Carotone Cream Review: Is Skin Whitening Unsafe?","created_at":"2023-05-08T23:53:09-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Carotone Cream Review: Is Skin Whitening Unsafe?\",\n \"keywords\": \"carotone cream, carotone cream review, carotone cream reviews, carotone, carotone brightening cream, carotone cream side effects\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Carotone Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether or not the product is likely to whiten the skin and if it's dangerous. We share our concerns about the manufacturer and feature unsponsored customer reviews.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/carotone-cream-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Nely Aldrich\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.D.\",\n \"FAAD\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/nely-aldrich\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.healthgrades.com\/physician\/dr-nely-aldrich-gf53b\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nely-aldrich-16b99530\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"skincare, anti-aging, wrinkles, acne, moisturizer, clinical research, clinical trials, hair, aging, sunscreen, soap\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center\",\n \"Northeast Ohio Medical University\",\n \"Kent State University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Carotone_Cream_Thumbnail.png?v=1683607108\",\n\"width\": \"3269\",\n\"height\": \"3269\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7070905\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/jergens-natural-glow-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26431582\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33415721\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5093181\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/cerave-vs-cetaphil\",\n\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-works-protect-consumers-potentially-harmful-otc-skin-lightening-products\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"collagen\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"ascorbic acid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"UVA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"UVB\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"parabens\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Order Beauty Supply\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FDA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Dr Dray\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Beauty Supply USA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-05-08\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Carotone_Cream_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1683604288\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eC\u003c\/span\u003earotone is a skin brightening and anti-aging cream that comes in a distinct orange bottle. The brand claims that their cream provides “advanced skincare rejuvenation” and it’s one of the more affordable anti-aging products on the market, retailing for under $10.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut does Carotone Cream contain ingredients proven in medical studies to reduce wrinkles, or does its quality match its low price? Does the product contain any questionable additive ingredients? What retailer sells Carotone Cream for the best price? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of the product?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Carotone Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether it’s likely to be effective for anti-aging or if it’s a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll also provide a cost comparison featuring the retailer that sells this product for the best price, and share real, unsponsored Carotone Cream user reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIngredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Carotone Cream ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Carotone_Cream_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1683604282\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Carotone Cream are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are some ingredients in this formulation shown in research studies to improve skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCollagen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e may be an effective anti-aging ingredient because it’s a core structural protein in skin, although the majority of clinical trials we’ve reviewed on topical collagen (like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7070905\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ethis one\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e) use a hydrolyzed version which may be more readily-absorbed into skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAscorbic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, better known as vitamin C, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ewas shown\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDermatologic Surgery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMineral oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is clinically shown to improve skin softness and skin barrier function as we documented in our review of another cosmetic product containing this ingredient called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/jergens-natural-glow-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJergens Natural Glow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePetrolatum\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e may be effective for skin barrier repair according to a 2016 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26431582\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, and is the active ingredient in Vaseline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile there are some potentially effective ingredients in Carotone Cream, there are also some ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective, as well as some that we don’t even understand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUVA\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eUVB\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e are types of ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun. We have never seen these ingredients on a cosmetic product label, nor is it biologically possible for a wavelength of light to be a cosmetic ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePropylparaben\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a synthetic preservative ingredient that has estrogenic effects, and a 2021 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33415721\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e on the safety of this ingredient concluded the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“We conclude that inadequate evidence has been provided for the safe use of [propylparaben] in food, cosmetics, and consumer products.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethylparaben\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a synthetic preservative from the same class of chemicals (parabens) with similarly questionable health effects in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFragrance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e can be harmful to human health according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5093181\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAir Quality, Atmosphere \u0026amp; Health\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBHT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is another synthetic preservative, and it breaks down in the body into a chemical compound clinically shown to be a “tumor promoter,” as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/cerave-vs-cetaphil\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCetaphil vs CeraVe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e comparison article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider Carotone Cream to be potentially effective for anti-aging, but we can’t locate any active ingredients in this product that we consider effective for skin brightening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe don’t recommend this product due to the questionable inactive ingredients highlighted above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do real users describe the effects of Carotone Cream? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored Carotone Cream User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Ese Gloria explains why she wouldn’t recommend Carotone Cream:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FGYgXrQjy1Q\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named “elodieikwa” documents side effects she claims to have experienced from Carotone Cream:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\" data-video-id=\"7183412036356017434\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@elodieikwa\/video\/7183412036356017434\" class=\"tiktok-embed\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@elodieikwa?refer=embed\" title=\"@elodieikwa\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e@elodieikwa\u003c\/a\u003e Exactly a year ago today my skin was ruined (and burnt) by Carotone B.S.C cream. I was looking for something that would help fade my old scars but instead, this cream did more damage to my skin than ever before. ⁣ I DO NOT recommend this cream!!⁣ ⁣ I’m making this video to share my own personal experience that I’ve battled with, and hopefully help someone.⁣ ⁣ A few of God’s promises that kept me through the journey; Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 41:10, James 1:2-4, Pslam 139:14 \u0026amp; more ♥️ ⁣ \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/fyp?refer=embed\" title=\"fyp\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#fyp\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/fyp%E3%82%B7?refer=embed\" title=\"fypシ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#fypシ\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/foryou?refer=embed\" title=\"foryou\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#foryou\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/carotone?refer=embed\" title=\"carotone\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#carotone\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincare?refer=embed\" title=\"skincare\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#skincare\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/hyperpigmentation?refer=embed\" title=\"hyperpigmentation\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#hyperpigmentation\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/viral?refer=embed\" title=\"viral\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#viral\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/darkspots?refer=embed\" title=\"darkspots\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e#darkspots\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/The-enemy-thought-he-had-me-7162621987276524330?refer=embed\" title=\"♬ The enemy thought he had me - Addie Woost\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e♬ The enemy thought he had me - Addie Woost\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\" async=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUnclear Manufacturer – Safety Issues\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe recommend that consumers be cautious when purchasing from cosmetics brands without a clear manufacturer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are a number of different “Carotone Cream” products on the market, and many of them have different ingredients. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBased on our review of many cosmetics products that we’ve analyzed on Illuminate Health, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ewe’ve noted a higher quality of formulation when there is a clear manufacturer behind the product.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe version of Carotone Cream we reviewed in the ingredient analysis section comes from a website called “Order Beauty Supply” which ranks high in Google for the brand term.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, there is another version sold on a website called “Kismet Beauty Brands” that contains hydroquinone (as shown below), which is not approved for over-the-counter- products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Kismet Beauty Brands Carotone Cream unapproved drug ingredient\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Kismet_Beauty_Brands_Carotone_Cream_Unapproved_Drug_Ingredient_Optimized.png?v=1683654678\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe FDA describes in an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-works-protect-consumers-potentially-harmful-otc-skin-lightening-products\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eofficial notice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eskin lightening products containing hydroquinone are “potentially harmful” and that these products are “unapproved drugs and are not generally recognized as safe and effective.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe would advise consumers to avoid any Carotone Cream containing hydroquinone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Skin Whitening Creams Toxic?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA dermatologist and YouTube creator named “Dr Dray” reviewed some concerning research on a toxin found in some skin bleaching and skin whitening products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Z1D9ebGIc5I\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Buy Carotone Cream for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCarotone Cream is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: $19.49 (free shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Carotone-Cream-Jar-300ml-Pack-of-2\/2031688280\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBeauty Supply USA: $9.99 (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shopbeautyusa.com\/products\/carotone-brightening-cream-jar?variant=4711602257949\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOrder Beauty Supply: $9.99 (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.orderbeautysupply.com\/product\/carotone-dsp10-brightening-cream-330ml-11-1fl-oz\/\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$9.82 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e depending on plan – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/44H6KZ1\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe price on Amazon is currently 20-30% cheaper than other platforms when factoring shipping fees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal Customers Review Carotone Cream\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCarotone Cream has been reviewed 50 times on Amazon at the time of publishing this article, with an average review rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Michelle Mitchell” who claims it cleared up blemishes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Not only are my blemishes gone within less than 2 months, my complexion is also brighter. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe product works on the body as well. My colleagues noticed the change in my complexion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eI no longer need foundation to cover up blemishes. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eI cannot say enough about this product..I'm just elated that I took a chance on this product.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAll of the negative reviews currently only have star ratings, and none have descriptions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Clean Skincare Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skincare_Products_Image_Optimized.png?v=1664754145\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are skincare products containing ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003eAnnie Mak Vitamin C Serum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is our top anti-aging serum.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt contains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ehyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e which was described as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"skin-rejuvenating biomedicine\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\"\u003eHYDRAGLOW by CLEARSTEM\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top moisturizer pick.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt features\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebakuchiol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e as\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eBulletproof Collagen Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is our top skin supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eC\u003c\/span\u003eollagen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e supplementation was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto reduce visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the products recommended in this section are entirely free of ingredients that we consider to be unhealthy or unsafe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros and Cons of Carotone Cream\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Carotone Cream in our opinion:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMay have anti-aging effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMay repair skin barrier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery affordable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains fragrance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnclear manufacturer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome ingredients listed are not cosmetic ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkin whitening cream may be high in toxins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth YouTube reviews we came across were negative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome companies selling this product are using unapproved drug ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not currently recommend Carotone Cream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile the product may be effective for anti-aging, its manufacturer is unclear, and the risk of purchasing a harmful or counterfeit product is higher with an unclear manufacturer in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThat’s because when there’s no clear manufacturer, many companies sell products with the same name, and in this case one of the “Carotone Creams” currently on the market has an unapproved drug ingredient that the FDA claims is dangerous.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSkin whitening creams may be high in mercury, which suggests that consumers planning to purchase a skin whitening cream should ask the manufacturer whether or not the product has been tested for mercury, and ask for proof.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor consumers intent on purchasing Carotene Cream, Amazon currently has the best price when considering shipping costs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-05-08T23:54:13-04:00","updated_at":"2024-03-08T10:56:21-05:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Carotone Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether or not the product is likely to whiten the skin and if it's dangerous. We share our concerns about the manufacturer and feature unsponsored customer reviews.","template_suffix":"","handle":"carotone-cream-review","tags":"_related:skincare"}

Carotone Cream Review: Is Skin Whitening Unsafe?

Carotone Cream Review: Is Skin Whitening Unsafe?


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Carotone is a skin brightening and anti-aging cream that comes in a distinct orange bottle. The brand claims that their cream provides “advanced skincare rejuvenation” and it’s one of the more affordable anti-aging products on the market, retailing for under $10.

But does Carotone Cream contain ingredients proven in medical studies to reduce wrinkles, or does its quality match its low price? Does the product contain any questionable additive ingredients? What retailer sells Carotone Cream for the best price? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of the product?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Carotone Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether it’s likely to be effective for anti-aging or if it’s a waste of money.

We’ll also provide a cost comparison featuring the retailer that sells this product for the best price, and share real, unsponsored Carotone Cream user reviews.

Ingredient Analysis

Carotone Cream ingredients

The ingredients in Carotone Cream are shown above.

There are some ingredients in this formulation shown in research studies to improve skin quality.

Collagen may be an effective anti-aging ingredient because it’s a core structural protein in skin, although the majority of clinical trials we’ve reviewed on topical collagen (like this one) use a hydrolyzed version which may be more readily-absorbed into skin.

Ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C, was shown in a clinical trial published in the Dermatologic Surgery journal to reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration.

Mineral oil is clinically shown to improve skin softness and skin barrier function as we documented in our review of another cosmetic product containing this ingredient called Jergens Natural Glow.

Petrolatum may be effective for skin barrier repair according to a 2016 clinical trial, and is the active ingredient in Vaseline.

While there are some potentially effective ingredients in Carotone Cream, there are also some ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective, as well as some that we don’t even understand.

UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun. We have never seen these ingredients on a cosmetic product label, nor is it biologically possible for a wavelength of light to be a cosmetic ingredient.

Propylparaben is a synthetic preservative ingredient that has estrogenic effects, and a 2021 medical review on the safety of this ingredient concluded the following:

“We conclude that inadequate evidence has been provided for the safe use of [propylparaben] in food, cosmetics, and consumer products.”

Methylparaben is a synthetic preservative from the same class of chemicals (parabens) with similarly questionable health effects in our opinion.

Fragrance can be harmful to human health according to a medical review published in the Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health journal.

BHT is another synthetic preservative, and it breaks down in the body into a chemical compound clinically shown to be a “tumor promoter,” as we documented in our Cetaphil vs CeraVe comparison article.

Overall, we consider Carotone Cream to be potentially effective for anti-aging, but we can’t locate any active ingredients in this product that we consider effective for skin brightening.

We don’t recommend this product due to the questionable inactive ingredients highlighted above.

But how do real users describe the effects of Carotone Cream? We’ll review in the next section.

Real, Unsponsored Carotone Cream User Reviews

A YouTube creator named Ese Gloria explains why she wouldn’t recommend Carotone Cream:

A TikTok creator named “elodieikwa” documents side effects she claims to have experienced from Carotone Cream:

@elodieikwa Exactly a year ago today my skin was ruined (and burnt) by Carotone B.S.C cream. I was looking for something that would help fade my old scars but instead, this cream did more damage to my skin than ever before. ⁣ I DO NOT recommend this cream!!⁣ ⁣ I’m making this video to share my own personal experience that I’ve battled with, and hopefully help someone.⁣ ⁣ A few of God’s promises that kept me through the journey; Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 41:10, James 1:2-4, Pslam 139:14 & more ♥️ ⁣ #fyp #fypシ #foryou #carotone #skincare #hyperpigmentation #viral #darkspots ♬ The enemy thought he had me - Addie Woost

Unclear Manufacturer – Safety Issues

We recommend that consumers be cautious when purchasing from cosmetics brands without a clear manufacturer.

There are a number of different “Carotone Cream” products on the market, and many of them have different ingredients. 

Based on our review of many cosmetics products that we’ve analyzed on Illuminate Health, we’ve noted a higher quality of formulation when there is a clear manufacturer behind the product.

The version of Carotone Cream we reviewed in the ingredient analysis section comes from a website called “Order Beauty Supply” which ranks high in Google for the brand term.

However, there is another version sold on a website called “Kismet Beauty Brands” that contains hydroquinone (as shown below), which is not approved for over-the-counter- products:

Kismet Beauty Brands Carotone Cream unapproved drug ingredient

The FDA describes in an official notice that skin lightening products containing hydroquinone are “potentially harmful” and that these products are “unapproved drugs and are not generally recognized as safe and effective.”

We would advise consumers to avoid any Carotone Cream containing hydroquinone.

Are Skin Whitening Creams Toxic?

A dermatologist and YouTube creator named “Dr Dray” reviewed some concerning research on a toxin found in some skin bleaching and skin whitening products:

Where to Buy Carotone Cream for the Best Price

Carotone Cream is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:

Walmart: $19.49 (free shipping, link)

Beauty Supply USA: $9.99 (plus shipping, link)

Order Beauty Supply: $9.99 (plus shipping, link)

Amazon: $9.82 (free shipping depending on plan – link to official Amazon listing)

The price on Amazon is currently 20-30% cheaper than other platforms when factoring shipping fees.

Real Customers Review Carotone Cream

Amazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.

Carotone Cream has been reviewed 50 times on Amazon at the time of publishing this article, with an average review rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Michelle Mitchell” who claims it cleared up blemishes:

“Not only are my blemishes gone within less than 2 months, my complexion is also brighter. The product works on the body as well. My colleagues noticed the change in my complexion.I no longer need foundation to cover up blemishes. I cannot say enough about this product..I'm just elated that I took a chance on this product.”

All of the negative reviews currently only have star ratings, and none have descriptions.

Our Clean Skincare Picks

There are skincare products containing ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality.

Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top anti-aging serum.

It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.

HYDRAGLOW by CLEARSTEM is our top moisturizer pick.

It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects." 

Bulletproof Collagen Powder is our top skin supplement.

Collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to reduce visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration.

All of the products recommended in this section are entirely free of ingredients that we consider to be unhealthy or unsafe.

Pros and Cons of Carotone Cream

Here are the pros and cons of Carotone Cream in our opinion:

Pros:

  • May have anti-aging effect
  • May repair skin barrier
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance
  • Unclear manufacturer
  • Some ingredients listed are not cosmetic ingredients
  • Skin whitening cream may be high in toxins
  • Both YouTube reviews we came across were negative
  • Some companies selling this product are using unapproved drug ingredients
Stay up-to-date on our research reviews

Conclusion

We do not currently recommend Carotone Cream.

While the product may be effective for anti-aging, its manufacturer is unclear, and the risk of purchasing a harmful or counterfeit product is higher with an unclear manufacturer in our opinion.

That’s because when there’s no clear manufacturer, many companies sell products with the same name, and in this case one of the “Carotone Creams” currently on the market has an unapproved drug ingredient that the FDA claims is dangerous.

Skin whitening creams may be high in mercury, which suggests that consumers planning to purchase a skin whitening cream should ask the manufacturer whether or not the product has been tested for mercury, and ask for proof.

For consumers intent on purchasing Carotene Cream, Amazon currently has the best price when considering shipping costs.




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