Fade Theory | 2% Alpha Arbutin + Vitamin C Serum
30mlYour skin has five separate ways of making a dark spot. Most serums block one. This blocks all five.
2% ALPHA ARBUTIN · 30mlProduct Details
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The complete glow protocol — works best together
The Science, Not The Hype
A dark spot isn't one process — it's five. The enzyme that makes melanin, the transfer of pigment up to the surface, the inflammatory cascade after a breakout, the master gene that switches production on, and the oxidative stress that starts the whole thing. Most brightening serums target one pathway and stall. Fade Theory runs four actives across all five, which is why it works on post-acne marks and melasma where single-active serums plateau.
- Pathway 1 — 2% Alpha Arbutin locks the tyrosinase enzyme
- Pathway 2 — 5% Niacinamide blocks melanosome transfer
- Pathway 3 — Tranexamic Acid cuts the plasmin cascade behind post-acne marks
- Pathway 4 — Ethyl Ascorbic Acid + Licorice suppress MITF gene expression
- Pathway 5 — Ethyl Ascorbic Acid neutralises oxidative stress from UV and pollution
- 92% of participants reported brighter skin within 4 weeks*
*Alpha Arbutin + Niacinamide combination study. Results require consistent daily SPF to hold. Individual results vary.
Built for
An even tone that holds.
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Why we built Glowvé
Pakistani skin kept getting sold serums made for European weather. So we made our own — formulated for our hard water, our heat and our dry winters. And we tell you exactly what's inside and how much, in plain words. No fillers. No fairy tales. Just actives that do the job.
— Team Glowvé
Hero Ingredients
ALPHA-ARBUTIN 2%
Stops melanin at the enzyme — the root cause behind every dark spot, rather than bleaching what's already surfaced.
3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID
A stable Vitamin C that fades the marks already there and shields against the new ones forming.
TRANEXAMIC ACID
Cuts the breakout-to-pigment inflammation chain. This is the active that makes it work on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin.
NIACINAMIDE 5%
Blocks pigment transfer, controls oil and rebuilds the barrier — three jobs at the clinical dose.
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA
Licorice root. A natural melanin inhibitor that also calms the inflammation which triggers marks.
SODIUM HYALURONATE
Pulls moisture into the skin and keeps it hydrated, so the actives can penetrate properly.
Dermatologically tested · Paraben-free · Sulphate-free · Made in Pakistan
Full ingredients
Aqua, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance.
Product Benefits
- Week 1–2: texture smooths, tone starts to even out.
- Week 2–4: active spots fade at the edges — people notice before you do.
- Week 4–8: recent post-acne marks visibly lighter. The biggest shift lands here.
- Week 8–12: melasma and long-standing marks visibly reduced.
- Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin needs the full window — but results hold with continued use.
How To Use
- On clean, dry skin — before moisturiser, morning and night.
- Two to three drops. Press it in, don't rub. Wait 30 seconds.
- Follow with moisturiser to lock the actives in.
- In the morning, finish with SPF. Without it, UV makes new spots faster than this fades old ones.
- First two weeks: if your skin is sensitive, use every other night, then move to daily.
FAQ
Does this actually work on melasma?
Alpha Arbutin with Tranexamic Acid is one of the most clinically studied combinations for melasma. Expect 8–12 weeks for significant change, and it only holds with consistent daily SPF.
Does it lighten my skin?
No. It fades dark spots, post-acne marks and melasma, and evens your tone. It does not change your natural complexion, and we wouldn't sell you something that claimed to.
Can I use it with sensitive skin?
Start every other night for two weeks. Alpha Arbutin at 2% is well tolerated, but new actives deserve a short adjustment window. Persistent stinging or redness means stop and see a dermatologist.
Can I layer it with another Vitamin C?
No — this already contains Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable Vitamin C. Adding more from another product tends to cause sensitivity. Use this as your single Vitamin C source.
What order does it go in?
Clean, dry skin before moisturiser. Morning: cleanse → serum → moisturiser → SPF. Night: double cleanse → serum → moisturiser.