{"id":605372154162,"title":"Ambi Fade Cream Review: Is Skin Lightening Cream Safe?","created_at":"2023-05-04T23:37:22-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Ambi Fade Cream Review: Is Skin Lightening Cream Safe?\",\n \"keywords\": \"ambi fade cream, ambi fade cream review, ambi fade cream reviews, ambi skincare fade cream, ambi fade cream before and after, ambi fade cream walmart, ambi fade cream for dark spots, ambi fade cream amazon, ambi fade cream before and after pictures, does ambi fade cream work, ambi fade cream hydroquinone\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Ambi Fade Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether it's likely to be effective or if it's a waste of money. We highlight two questionable additive ingredients and explain why the brand received an FDA warning letter.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/ambi-fade-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\/Ambi_Fade_Cream_Thumbnail.png?v=1683258020\",\n\"width\": \"2607\",\n\"height\": \"2607\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7802860\/\", \n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6049772\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/cerave-eye-repair-cream-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18498456\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7802860\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations\/warning-letters\/ambi-enterprises-llc-628367-04132022\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/musely-review\",\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\": \"skin discoloration\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"ascorbic acid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"sodium hyaluronate\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"fragrance\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FDA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Ambi Enterprises LLC\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"hydroquinone\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Rite Aid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Dr Dray\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-05-04\",\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\/Ambi_Fade_Cream_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1683257673\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eA\u003c\/span\u003embi Fade Cream is one of the most popular cosmetic products for reducing skin discoloration. The brand describes itself as “Scientifically Proven For People Of Color.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut does Ambi Fade Cream contain ingredients proven in medical studies to reduce discoloration and improve skin quality, or are these just marketing claims? Does the product contain any questionable additive ingredients? Why did Ambi’s manufacturer receive an FDA warning letter? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Ambi Fade Cream?\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 Ambi Fade Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether the product is likely to be effective, or if it’s a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll provide a cost breakdown documenting which retailer sells Ambi Fade Cream for the best price, and feature real, unsponsored user reviews of the product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll also explain why the brand received a warning letter from the FDA.\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=\"Ambi Fade Cream ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Ambi_Fade_Cream_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1683257687\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Ambi Fade Cream are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are a number of active ingredients in this formulation with research backing both for depigmentation and anti-aging.\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, was analyzed in a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7802860\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e on melanin pigmentation and its ability to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented spots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe researchers analyzed results from seven clinical trials on the topic, and concluded the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e“The authors have reported a favorable outcome, suggesting the possible effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBetaine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6049772\/\"\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;\"\u003eFood Science and Biotechnology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal to be a “potential skin-lightening agent,” although this was an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein vitro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (test tube) study which makes its results weaker than a trial with human participants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are other active ingredients in this formulation shown to improve skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSodium hyaluronate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is one of the most well-studied anti-aging ingredients, as we documented in our review of another cosmetic product containing it called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/cerave-eye-repair-cream-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCeraVe Eye Repair Cream\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGlycerin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown to improve skin moisture content in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18498456\/\"\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;\"\u003eInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNiacinamide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was described in a 2004 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e as a compound that “smooths out wrinkles” and can be effective in treating a wide range of skin disorders due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAloe barbadensis\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e (aloe vera) leaf juice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a natural moisturizer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eClearly there are a number of effective ingredients in Amdi Fade Cream for both treating hyperpigmentation and improving skin quality generally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever there are also two inactive ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFragrance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a broad descriptor that could refer to any number of thousands of chemicals added for scent. It’s not only a common skin allergen, but a 2016 \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 analyzed safety data on fragranced consumer products and concluded that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ethe additive can “impose serious risks to human health.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a synthetic preservative shown in a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to be toxic to human cells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider Ambi Fade Cream to be likely effective for its intended purpose, and even potentially effective for reducing wrinkles, but we don’t currently recommend the product due to the questionable inactive ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do real users rate and describe the effects of Ambi Fade Cream? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored Ambi Fade Cream User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Mal used Ambi Fade Cream to treat dark spots on her face, and shares before-and-after images:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y7x7F3BugdY\" 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 YouTube creator named “The Jazz Lounge” used Ambi Fade Cream to treat acne and also features before and after images:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R67MYCEG0-Q\" 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\u003eWhy Did the FDA Warn Ambi?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn 2022, the FDA sent a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations\/warning-letters\/ambi-enterprises-llc-628367-04132022\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewarning letter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to Ambi Enterprises LLC, the manufacturer of Ambi Fade Cream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe warning letter calls out Ambi’s use of hydroquinone, which is a skin bleaching ingredient only available with a prescription.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Since Ambi was selling products containing hydroquinone over-the-counter (OTC), this classified the cosmetics containing this ingredient as “unapproved new drugs.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSince this letter, Ambi appears to have removed hydroquinone from their Fade Cream and Fade Serum. The brand even includes “Hydroquinone-Free” in the title of both products at the time of publishing this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe do not consider this to be an ongoing concern that consumers need to worry about\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, since it is related to an ingredient that has since been removed from the formulation, and one that does not appear unsafe when used appropriately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/musely-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMusely reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article on a prescription skincare brand that sells hydroquinone products, this compound was described in a medical review as “one of the most effective molecules for the treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe efficacy of Ambi as a lightening cream has likely dropped since the removal of hydroquinone, but the ingredient has serious side effects if overused. It should only be used under the guidance of a dermatologist. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Buy Ambi Fade Cream for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmbi Fade 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;\"\u003eRite Aid: $9.29 (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.riteaid.com\/shop\/ambi-fade-cream-normal-skin-2-oz-5036440\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $8.99 (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ambi.com\/products\/ambi-even-clear-fade-cream-hydroquinone-free\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: $8.97 (plus shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/AMBI-Even-Clear-Facial-Fade-Cream-Hydroquinone-Free-1-oz\/1572140272\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$9.49 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3LzXwFw\" 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;\"\u003eWhen considering shipping costs, Ambi Fade Cream is significantly cheaper on Amazon than on the brand’s website.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShipping cost $3.95 with the test address we input, making the product 27% cheaper on Amazon than on the brand’s website currently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDermatologist Reviews New Ambi Formulation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA dermatologist and popular YouTube influencer named “Dr Dray” reviewed Ambi’s new hydroquinone-free formulation in a video with over 40,000 views. She shares her thoughts on the products potential efficacy:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uEZnm5RTJj8\" 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\u003eReal Customers Review Ambi Fade 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;\"\u003eAmbi Fade Cream has been reviewed 38 times on Amazon at the time of publishing this article, with an average review rating of 3.5 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 “Lisa” who claims it was effective on dark spots:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“This product is great! This helped with the dark spots on my face and I saw positive results right away!”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “Angela Johnson” who claims that the new formulation has caused side effects:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“I really dislike the new ambi, they should have kept the same ingredients as before. Now when I use it my face burns and make the discoloration on my face even darker. I truly wished they hadn't changed the formula. I am so very disappointed”\u003c\/b\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\u003cb\u003ePros and Cons of Ambi Fade Cream\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Ambi Fade Cream in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePros:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eContains many research-backed active ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHighly affordable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShould be effective for dark spot treatment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePotentially effective for anti-aging\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePotentially effective for skin moisturizing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNow free of hydroquinone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCons:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eContains fragrance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eContains synthetic preservatives\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand received FDA warning letter about unapproved new drug ingredient\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUnimpressive Amazon reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDoesn’t appear clinically tested\u003c\/span\u003e\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;\"\u003eAmbi Fade Cream contains a large number of research-backed ingredients, and from an efficacy perspective it’s one of the most impressive formulations when considering the price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis product currently costs under $10 per bottle and contains six active ingredients we consider likely effective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not currently recommend Ambi Fade Cream due to its inclusion of fragrance and phenoxyethanol, a synthetic preservative. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe FDA sent a warning letter to the manufacturer of Ambi Fade Cream in 2022, claiming that one of its active ingredients was classified as an “unapproved new drug” because it was only available for prescription use, but Ambi was selling it in this OTC product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmbi has since removed that ingredient and this shouldn't be a concern for consumers moving forward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis product has an unimpressive Amazon review rating relative to other cosmetic products we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor consumers intent on purchasing Ambi Fade Cream, the best price can be found on Amazon when factoring in shipping costs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-05-04T23:44:58-04:00","updated_at":"2024-03-08T10:54:40-05:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Ambi Fade Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether it's likely to be effective or if it's a waste of money. We highlight two questionable additive ingredients and explain why the brand received an FDA warning letter.","template_suffix":"","handle":"ambi-fade-cream-review","tags":"_related:cosmetics, _related:skincare"}

Ambi Fade Cream Review: Is Skin Lightening Cream Safe?

Ambi Fade Cream Review: Is Skin Lightening Cream Safe?


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Ambi Fade Cream is one of the most popular cosmetic products for reducing skin discoloration. The brand describes itself as “Scientifically Proven For People Of Color.”

But does Ambi Fade Cream contain ingredients proven in medical studies to reduce discoloration and improve skin quality, or are these just marketing claims? Does the product contain any questionable additive ingredients? Why did Ambi’s manufacturer receive an FDA warning letter? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Ambi Fade Cream?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Ambi Fade Cream based on medical studies to give our take on whether the product is likely to be effective, or if it’s a waste of money.

We’ll provide a cost breakdown documenting which retailer sells Ambi Fade Cream for the best price, and feature real, unsponsored user reviews of the product.

We’ll also explain why the brand received a warning letter from the FDA.

Ingredient Analysis

Ambi Fade Cream ingredients

The ingredients in Ambi Fade Cream are shown above.

There are a number of active ingredients in this formulation with research backing both for depigmentation and anti-aging.

Ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C, was analyzed in a 2020 medical review on melanin pigmentation and its ability to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented spots.

The researchers analyzed results from seven clinical trials on the topic, and concluded the following: “The authors have reported a favorable outcome, suggesting the possible effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation.”

Betaine was shown in a clinical trial published in the Food Science and Biotechnology journal to be a “potential skin-lightening agent,” although this was an in vitro (test tube) study which makes its results weaker than a trial with human participants.

There are other active ingredients in this formulation shown to improve skin quality.

Sodium hyaluronate is one of the most well-studied anti-aging ingredients, as we documented in our review of another cosmetic product containing it called CeraVe Eye Repair Cream.

Glycerin was shown to improve skin moisture content in a clinical trial published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Niacinamide was described in a 2004 medical review as a compound that “smooths out wrinkles” and can be effective in treating a wide range of skin disorders due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice is a natural moisturizer.

Clearly there are a number of effective ingredients in Amdi Fade Cream for both treating hyperpigmentation and improving skin quality generally.

However there are also two inactive ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective.

Fragrance is a broad descriptor that could refer to any number of thousands of chemicals added for scent. It’s not only a common skin allergen, but a 2016 medical review analyzed safety data on fragranced consumer products and concluded that the additive can “impose serious risks to human health.”

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative shown in a 2020 clinical trial to be toxic to human cells.

Overall, we consider Ambi Fade Cream to be likely effective for its intended purpose, and even potentially effective for reducing wrinkles, but we don’t currently recommend the product due to the questionable inactive ingredients.

But how do real users rate and describe the effects of Ambi Fade Cream? We’ll review in the next section.

Real, Unsponsored Ambi Fade Cream User Reviews

A YouTube creator named Mal used Ambi Fade Cream to treat dark spots on her face, and shares before-and-after images:

A YouTube creator named “The Jazz Lounge” used Ambi Fade Cream to treat acne and also features before and after images:

Why Did the FDA Warn Ambi?

In 2022, the FDA sent a warning letter to Ambi Enterprises LLC, the manufacturer of Ambi Fade Cream.

The warning letter calls out Ambi’s use of hydroquinone, which is a skin bleaching ingredient only available with a prescription. Since Ambi was selling products containing hydroquinone over-the-counter (OTC), this classified the cosmetics containing this ingredient as “unapproved new drugs.”

Since this letter, Ambi appears to have removed hydroquinone from their Fade Cream and Fade Serum. The brand even includes “Hydroquinone-Free” in the title of both products at the time of publishing this article.

We do not consider this to be an ongoing concern that consumers need to worry about, since it is related to an ingredient that has since been removed from the formulation, and one that does not appear unsafe when used appropriately.

As we documented in our Musely reviews article on a prescription skincare brand that sells hydroquinone products, this compound was described in a medical review as “one of the most effective molecules for the treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders.”

The efficacy of Ambi as a lightening cream has likely dropped since the removal of hydroquinone, but the ingredient has serious side effects if overused. It should only be used under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Where to Buy Ambi Fade Cream for the Best Price

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

Rite Aid: $9.29 (plus shipping, link)

Brand website: $8.99 (plus shipping, link)

Walmart: $8.97 (plus shipping, link)

Amazon: $9.49 (free shippinglink to official Amazon listing)

When considering shipping costs, Ambi Fade Cream is significantly cheaper on Amazon than on the brand’s website.

Shipping cost $3.95 with the test address we input, making the product 27% cheaper on Amazon than on the brand’s website currently.

Dermatologist Reviews New Ambi Formulation

A dermatologist and popular YouTube influencer named “Dr Dray” reviewed Ambi’s new hydroquinone-free formulation in a video with over 40,000 views. She shares her thoughts on the products potential efficacy:

Real Customers Review Ambi Fade Cream

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

Ambi Fade Cream has been reviewed 38 times on Amazon at the time of publishing this article, with an average review rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Lisa” who claims it was effective on dark spots:

“This product is great! This helped with the dark spots on my face and I saw positive results right away!”

The top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “Angela Johnson” who claims that the new formulation has caused side effects:

“I really dislike the new ambi, they should have kept the same ingredients as before. Now when I use it my face burns and make the discoloration on my face even darker. I truly wished they hadn't changed the formula. I am so very disappointed”

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 Ambi Fade Cream

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

Pros:

  • Contains many research-backed active ingredients
  • Highly affordable
  • Should be effective for dark spot treatment
  • Potentially effective for anti-aging
  • Potentially effective for skin moisturizing
  • Now free of hydroquinone

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance
  • Contains synthetic preservatives
  • Brand received FDA warning letter about unapproved new drug ingredient
  • Unimpressive Amazon reviews
  • Doesn’t appear clinically tested
Stay up-to-date on our research reviews

Conclusion

Ambi Fade Cream contains a large number of research-backed ingredients, and from an efficacy perspective it’s one of the most impressive formulations when considering the price.

This product currently costs under $10 per bottle and contains six active ingredients we consider likely effective.

We do not currently recommend Ambi Fade Cream due to its inclusion of fragrance and phenoxyethanol, a synthetic preservative. 

The FDA sent a warning letter to the manufacturer of Ambi Fade Cream in 2022, claiming that one of its active ingredients was classified as an “unapproved new drug” because it was only available for prescription use, but Ambi was selling it in this OTC product.

Ambi has since removed that ingredient and this shouldn't be a concern for consumers moving forward.

This product has an unimpressive Amazon review rating relative to other cosmetic products we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.

For consumers intent on purchasing Ambi Fade Cream, the best price can be found on Amazon when factoring in shipping costs.




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