Frequently asked questions

Question 1

Why does Gleamin build everything around vitamin C?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C is one of the most researched ingredients for a brighter, more even-looking skin tone. It's an antioxidant, it slows the enzyme that starts pigment production, and it supports collagen. Trends come and go; vitamin C has decades of evidence behind it, so it's at the heart of every Gleamin formula. Read more in Vitamin C for dark spots: how it works and how to use it.

Question 2

How do you keep vitamin C stable?

Accepted Answer

Pure vitamin C breaks down quickly in light, air and water. We mostly use stable forms that hold up in a formula and convert to vitamin C in the skin: sodium ascorbyl phosphate, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. We add botanicals naturally rich in vitamin C, such as Kakadu plum and desert lime, and choose packaging that keeps light and air out.

Question 3

Which products are in the Gleamin range?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C Clay Mask: our best-seller, a 10-minute mask with Kakadu plum, desert lime and turmeric. Superactive Serum: our most concentrated formula, with 15% vitamin C and niacinamide. Clarifying Brightening Cleanser: a cream-to-foam cleanser with vitamin C and gentle exfoliating acids. Advanced Brightening Moisturizer: vitamin C with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Illuminating Intimate Serum: niacinamide, alpha arbutin and vitamin C for the bikini line, inner thighs and underarms. Shop the range in our Amazon store.

Question 4

Are Gleamin products suitable for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

Our formulas are made to be gentle: we pair active ingredients with soothing, hydrating ones, and we use stable forms of vitamin C that don't need a stinging low pH. Our Vitamin C Clay Mask, Advanced Brightening Moisturizer and Supernutrient Oil are dermatologist tested. In repeat insult patch tests on 52 adults, supervised by a consulting dermatologist (Princeton Consumer Research, 2023), no irritation or allergic reactions were observed. Every skin is different, though. Patch test a new product on your inner arm for a few days, introduce one product at a time, and start the Superactive Serum every other night before building up.

Question 5

Are Gleamin products dermatologist tested?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Vitamin C Clay Mask, Advanced Brightening Moisturizer and Supernutrient Oil were each patch tested in repeat insult patch tests on 52 adults, run by Princeton Consumer Research in 2023 and supervised by a consulting dermatologist. No irritation or allergic reactions were observed.

Question 6

Do your products contain fragrance?

Accepted Answer

Our face products, including the Vitamin C Clay Mask, Superactive Serum, Advanced Brightening Moisturizer, Supernutrient Oil, Clarifying Brightening Cleanser and Illuminating Intimate Serum, contain no added fragrance. Some body products, such as the Advanced Brightening Body Cream, do contain fragrance. It is always listed in the ingredients on the label.

Question 7

Are your products cruelty-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gleamin products are cruelty-free.

Question 8

Are your products gluten-free and sulfate-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our products are gluten-free and sulfate-free.

Question 9

Where are Gleamin products made?

Accepted Answer

Gleamin products are made in Canada and in Texas, United States. The vitamin C botanicals in our clay mask, Kakadu plum and desert lime, come from Australia, where the mask was first made. Each product's country of origin is printed on its packaging.

Question 10

What is the Illuminating Intimate Serum for?

Accepted Answer

It's made for the skin of the bikini line, inner thighs and underarms, which is thinner and more delicate than facial skin. It pairs niacinamide, alpha arbutin and vitamin C, three gentle ingredients that work on different steps of pigment production. It's for external use only. Read Brightening your bikini line: what works (and what scars).

Question 11

In what order should I apply my products?

Accepted Answer

Morning: cleanser, Superactive Serum, moisturizer, then sunscreen. Night: cleanser, serum, moisturizer. Once or twice a week, swap your night serum for the Vitamin C Clay Mask. The full routine, with tweaks for dry, oily and sensitive skin, is in The Gleamin brightening routine, step by step.

Question 12

How often should I use the Vitamin C Clay Mask?

Accepted Answer

Start with once or twice a week. Oily skin often enjoys up to three times a week; dry or sensitive skin is happiest with once. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water and follow with serum and moisturizer.

More in Inside our Vitamin C Clay Mask.

Question 13

Can I use the clay mask on my body?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many customers use it on the chest, back and underarms as well as the face. Avoid broken or freshly shaved skin, and follow with a moisturizer.

Question 14

Can I use my face serum on my bikini line?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend it. Intimate skin is thinner and more permeable than facial skin, and strong acids or low-pH serums made for the face can irritate it. On melanin-rich skin, irritation leads to more pigment, not less. Use a formula made for intimate skin instead. Read Face, body and intimate skin: why each needs different care.

Question 15

How do I use the Illuminating Intimate Serum?

Accepted Answer

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin on the bikini line, inner thighs or underarms, once or twice a day. Keep it external, never inside. Wait a day or two after shaving or waxing, patch test first, and stop if it stings, itches or burns. Breathable cotton underwear and looser fits help by cutting friction.

Question 16

Do I need sunscreen when I use vitamin C?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every morning. UV is the biggest trigger for new pigment, so SPF 30 or higher protects everything vitamin C is working on, including on cloudy days and indoors near windows.

Question 17

How long until I see a difference?

Accepted Answer

Most people notice skin looking fresher within the first few weeks. Skin renews itself roughly every four weeks, so give a routine 8 to 12 weeks of daily use to judge a more even-looking tone. Results vary from person to person. A photo in the same light on day one is the best way to see your progress.

Question 18

Can I use the Superactive Serum if my skin is sensitive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a gentle start. Patch test first, then use it every other night for the first week or two before moving to daily use. If your skin feels irritated, space it out again and keep your routine simple.

Question 19

Can I use Gleamin while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Please check with your doctor before starting any new skincare while pregnant or breastfeeding. Take the ingredient list with you; you'll find it on each product's Amazon listing.

Question 20

Where can I buy Gleamin?

Accepted Answer

Our range is available in our Amazon store. Amazon handles orders, payment and delivery.

Question 21

Why can't I buy on gleamin.com?

Accepted Answer

We're rebuilding Gleamin, and while we do, Amazon looks after orders so there's no gap for our customers. Join the waitlist on our home page to hear first when our own shop opens.

Question 22

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Delivery times depend on your Amazon account and location, and Amazon shows them at checkout. Tracking is in Your Orders on Amazon.

Question 23

How do I return an order?

Accepted Answer

Start a return from Your Orders on Amazon; Amazon's return policy for the item applies. If anything goes wrong, email support@gleamin.com and we'll help.

Question 24

My order arrived damaged or wrong. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Contact Amazon from Your Orders first; they can send a replacement or a refund. If it isn't resolved, email support@gleamin.com with your order number and a photo, and we'll make it right.

Question 25

Are there any discounts?

Accepted Answer

Amazon runs promotions on our store from time to time. Follow @gleamin on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to hear about them. Codes from our old website no longer apply.

Question 26

When and why was Gleamin started?

Accepted Answer

Jordan Smyth founded Gleamin in 2019. After years of his own skin struggles, he noticed how many people were mixing turmeric and vitamin C masks at home, and set out to make a version that was stable, balanced and easy to use. That became our Vitamin C Clay Mask, which took two years to develop and is still our best-seller. Since then we've developed more than ten formulas and over a million people have trusted Gleamin with their skin.

Question 27

How is Gleamin different from other skincare brands?

Accepted Answer

We focus on one thing: skincare for melanin-rich skin prone to dark spots and uneven tone. Vitamin C is at the core of every formula, we pair it with gentle, well-researched ingredients, and we explain what's in the bottle in plain language, with sources.

Question 28

What's next for Gleamin?

Accepted Answer

Our next chapter goes beyond the counter, for face, body and intimate skin. Join the waitlist on our home page for founding-member early access.

Question 29

What does it mean to “gleam”?

Accepted Answer

To gleam is to be the best version of you, in your skin and beyond it. That's what we want to help people do.

Question 30

Where is Gleamin based?

Accepted Answer

Gleamin Inc. is based in Los Angeles. Our mailing address is 113 N San Vicente Blvd, Suite 337, Beverly Hills, California 90211, United States.

Question 31

How do I contact Gleamin?

Accepted Answer

Email support@gleamin.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. For wholesale enquiries, email wholesale@gleamin.com.

Question 32

What is hyperpigmentation?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpigmentation is skin that is darker in some areas than the surrounding skin, caused by extra melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It shows up as dark spots, patches or an uneven skin tone. Common types include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (marks left after acne, cuts or irritation), sun spots from UV exposure, and darkening from friction. Hyperpigmentation is harmless in most cases and is especially common in medium to deep skin tones, where pigment cells respond more strongly to inflammation and light.

Question 33

What causes dark spots on the face?

Accepted Answer

Dark spots on the face are caused by melanocytes producing extra melanin in one area. The most common triggers are: sun exposure (UV and visible light), inflammation from acne, eczema, bug bites or picking at skin, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or the pill, irritation from harsh products or hair removal, and certain medications. On darker skin tones, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after breakouts is the leading cause of dark spots.

Question 34

What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Accepted Answer

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a flat dark mark that appears after the skin has been inflamed or injured, for example by acne, a cut, a burn, eczema, a rash or an aggressive skincare product. Inflammation signals pigment cells to make more melanin, which is left behind as a brown, grey or dark patch once the skin heals. PIH is more frequent and longer-lasting in skin of colour (Fitzpatrick types IV to VI). Marks in the upper skin layer often improve over several months; deeper pigment can take a year or longer.

Question 35

Why is hyperpigmentation more common in darker skin?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpigmentation is more common in darker skin because its melanocytes are more reactive: they produce more melanin, and produce it faster, in response to inflammation, friction, UV and visible light. The number of pigment cells is similar across skin tones; the difference is how much pigment they make and how it is distributed. This is why a pimple, scratch or rash is more likely to leave a lasting dark mark on melanin-rich skin, and why gentle, non-irritating skincare and daily sun protection matter so much.

Question 36

What is the difference between dark spots and acne scars?

Accepted Answer

Dark spots after acne (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are a colour change only: the skin is flat and smooth, just darker. True acne scars change the skin's texture, either as indents (atrophic scars such as ice pick, boxcar or rolling scars) or raised bumps (hypertrophic or keloid scars). Red or purple marks, more visible on lighter skin, are called post-inflammatory erythema. Colour marks usually improve with time, sun protection and brightening ingredients, while textured scars generally need professional procedures.

Question 37

How long do dark spots last?

Accepted Answer

Most dark spots from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation improve over 3 to 12 months, depending on how deep the pigment sits and how dark the skin is. Pigment in the top layer of skin (epidermal) responds fastest, while deeper (dermal) pigment can last a year or more. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoiding picking and irritation, and consistent use of brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide help dark spots look less noticeable sooner. Skin renews roughly every 28 days, so allow at least 8 to 12 weeks to judge a routine.

Question 38

Does sun exposure make dark spots worse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UV rays and visible light stimulate melanin production, so sun exposure darkens existing spots and triggers new ones. Research shows visible light, not just UV, causes stronger and longer-lasting pigmentation in medium to deep skin tones. Protect skin daily with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher; tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides add protection against visible light. Reapply every two hours outdoors, and wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and near windows.

Question 39

Which skincare ingredients help with hyperpigmentation?

Accepted Answer

The best-researched over-the-counter ingredients for uneven skin tone are: vitamin C, which slows tyrosinase, the enzyme that starts melanin production; niacinamide (vitamin B3), which reduces the transfer of pigment to skin cells; alpha arbutin, kojic acid and licorice root extract, which also slow tyrosinase; and gentle exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs), which speed up the turnover of pigmented cells. Combining ingredients that work on different steps, alongside daily sunscreen, gives the best results. A dermatologist can advise on prescription options for stubborn pigmentation.

Question 40

Can hyperpigmentation go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often improves on its own over months as skin renews, provided the trigger (such as acne or irritation) is under control and the skin is protected from the sun. Without sun protection, dark spots tend to persist or darken. Sun spots and hormonal pigmentation are less likely to improve without help. Brightening ingredients, gentle exfoliation and daily SPF shorten the time it takes for skin tone to look more even.

Question 41

How can I prevent dark marks after a breakout?

Accepted Answer

To prevent dark marks after acne: do not pick, squeeze or scrub blemishes, because extra inflammation means extra pigment; calm breakouts early with gentle, non-stripping products; wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day so UV and visible light don't deepen marks; and add an antioxidant such as vitamin C or niacinamide to your routine. The faster inflammation settles, the lighter and shorter-lived any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation will be.

Question 42

Why do the inner thighs and bikini line get darker?

Accepted Answer

Darkening of the inner thighs and bikini line is very common and usually caused by friction (skin rubbing on skin or tight clothing), repeated irritation from shaving, waxing and ingrown hairs, hormonal changes, and leftover marks from razor bumps. Melanin-rich skin responds to this irritation with extra pigment. Reducing friction with breathable cotton and looser fits, spacing out hair removal, and using gentle products made for intimate skin all help. See a doctor if darkening appears suddenly or feels thick and velvety.

Question 43

What causes dark underarms?

Accepted Answer

Dark underarms are commonly caused by friction, irritation from shaving or waxing, reactions to deodorant or antiperspirant ingredients, a build-up of dead skin cells, and the shadow of hair under the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from repeated irritation is the main reason in darker skin tones. Switching to gentle, fragrance-free products, reducing friction and exfoliating gently usually help. Thick, velvety dark patches can be a sign of acanthosis nigricans, which is linked to insulin resistance and should be checked by a doctor.

Question 44

Is it safe to put lemon juice on dark spots?

Accepted Answer

No. Lemon juice is highly acidic (pH around 2), which damages the skin barrier, and citrus is phototoxic: combined with sunlight it can cause burns, blisters and phytophotodermatitis, which leaves new dark marks. On melanin-rich skin, this irritation often makes hyperpigmentation worse, and it can also cause patchy light spots. Stable, properly formulated vitamin C gives the brightening benefit of citrus without the burn.

Question 45

Do exfoliating acids help with uneven skin tone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gentle chemical exfoliants help uneven skin tone by speeding up the shedding of pigmented surface cells. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid work on the surface, beta hydroxy acid (BHA, salicylic acid) also clears pores, and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are the gentlest option for sensitive skin. On darker skin, start low and slow, 2 to 3 times a week, because over-exfoliation causes irritation that can trigger new hyperpigmentation. Always follow with sunscreen.

Question 46

When should I see a dermatologist about dark patches?

Accepted Answer

See a dermatologist or doctor if a dark patch appears suddenly, spreads quickly, changes shape or colour, bleeds or itches, feels thick or velvety, or doesn't improve after 3 months of sun protection and gentle care. Any mole or spot that is new, asymmetrical, has an irregular border or several colours should be checked promptly. A dermatologist can confirm the cause of hyperpigmentation and recommend professional or prescription options.

Question 47

What does vitamin C do for your skin?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) does three main jobs in skin: it is an antioxidant that neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution; it slows tyrosinase, the enzyme that starts melanin production, which helps skin tone look brighter and more even; and it is essential for collagen production, supporting smoother, firmer-looking skin. Used daily under sunscreen, topical vitamin C is one of the most researched ingredients for dullness, uneven tone and signs of sun damage.

Question 48

Does vitamin C help with dark spots?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vitamin C helps dark spots look less noticeable by slowing tyrosinase, the enzyme that starts melanin production, and by protecting skin from the UV-driven oxidative stress that triggers new pigment. Results are gradual: most people see a brighter, more even-looking tone after 8 to 12 weeks of daily use. Vitamin C works best alongside daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and pairs well with niacinamide, which works on a different step of pigmentation.

Question 49

What is the best form of vitamin C for skin?

Accepted Answer

The best form of vitamin C depends on your skin. L-ascorbic acid is the most studied and potent form but is unstable and can sting. Stable derivatives are gentler: sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) is water-soluble and suits sensitive and breakout-prone skin; 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is stable and penetrates well; tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) is oil-soluble and very gentle, ideal in creams and oils; magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is mild and hydrating. For sensitive or darker skin prone to irritation, a stable derivative is often the better choice.

Question 50

What is L-ascorbic acid?

Accepted Answer

L-ascorbic acid is the pure, biologically active form of vitamin C. It is the most researched form in skincare and works at concentrations of about 10 to 20%, but only at a low pH (below 3.5), which can sting sensitive skin. It is also unstable: exposure to light, air and water oxidises it, turning serums yellow then orange and reducing effectiveness. Look for opaque, airtight packaging and use it within a few months of opening.

Question 51

What percentage of vitamin C is effective?

Accepted Answer

For L-ascorbic acid, research shows effective concentrations between 10% and 20%; above 20% there is no added benefit and more irritation. Vitamin C derivatives work at different strengths because they convert to vitamin C in the skin: many are effective from about 3% upward. Beginners and sensitive skin can start at 5 to 10%. A well-formulated, stable product used every day matters more than the highest percentage on the label.

Question 52

Should I use vitamin C in the morning or at night?

Accepted Answer

Morning is the best time to use vitamin C for most people, because its antioxidant protection helps defend skin against UV and pollution during the day. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer, then always finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Vitamin C can also be used at night, and stable derivatives work well either time. The most important thing is using it consistently every day.

Question 53

Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vitamin C and niacinamide can be used together. The old warning that they cancel each other out came from studies using pure ingredients at high heat, which doesn't reflect modern formulas. They are a well-matched pair for uneven skin tone: vitamin C slows melanin production, while niacinamide reduces the transfer of pigment to skin cells and supports the skin barrier. If your skin is sensitive, apply them at different times of day or introduce one at a time.

Question 54

Can I use vitamin C with exfoliating acids?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but carefully. Using a low-pH L-ascorbic acid serum at the same time as AHAs or BHAs can irritate skin, and irritation can trigger hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. A simple approach: vitamin C in the morning, exfoliating acids a few evenings a week. Gentle vitamin C derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate combine more easily with other actives.

Question 55

Why did my vitamin C serum turn orange?

Accepted Answer

A vitamin C serum turns yellow, orange or brown when the ascorbic acid oxidises into dehydroascorbic acid after exposure to light, air or heat. An oxidised serum is less effective and may irritate skin or leave a temporary orange tint. Pale yellow is usually fine; dark orange or brown means it is time to replace it. Store vitamin C closed, cool and out of sunlight, or choose stable derivatives that resist oxidation.

Question 56

Is vitamin C good for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C can suit sensitive skin if you choose the right form. Low-pH L-ascorbic acid is the form most likely to sting or cause redness. Gentler derivatives, such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, work at a skin-friendly pH. Start with a lower concentration every other day, patch test on your inner arm first, and stop if you notice burning or irritation.

Question 57

Does vitamin C replace sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

No. Vitamin C does not replace sunscreen. It is an antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure and can boost your overall protection when used under sunscreen, but it does not absorb or block UV rays and has no SPF rating. Use vitamin C in the morning and always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Question 58

How long does vitamin C take to work?

Accepted Answer

Most people notice brighter, fresher-looking skin from vitamin C within 3 to 4 weeks, and a more even-looking skin tone after 8 to 12 weeks of daily use. Collagen-related improvements in texture take longer, often 3 to 6 months. Results depend on the form and concentration of vitamin C, consistent daily use, and wearing sunscreen every day.

Question 59

Is vitamin C safe for dark skin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vitamin C is safe and well suited to dark skin. It helps with the concerns most common in melanin-rich skin, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, without bleaching healthy skin. The main risk for darker skin is irritation from a very low-pH formula, because irritation can trigger new pigment. Choose a stable, gentle form, introduce it gradually and wear sunscreen daily.

Question 60

What is Kakadu plum?

Accepted Answer

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is a small green fruit native to northern Australia with the highest natural vitamin C content recorded in any fruit, many times that of an orange. It is also rich in antioxidant polyphenols such as ellagic acid and gallic acid. In skincare, Kakadu plum extract is used as a botanical source of vitamin C and antioxidants for brighter, more even-looking skin.

Question 61

What is niacinamide, and how is it different from vitamin C?

Accepted Answer

Niacinamide is vitamin B3. It helps uneven skin tone by reducing the transfer of melanin from pigment cells to surrounding skin cells, while vitamin C slows melanin production itself. Niacinamide also supports the skin barrier, reduces the look of redness and helps regulate oil. It is gentle and stable, works at 2 to 5% in most studies, and pairs well with vitamin C for hyperpigmentation-prone skin.

Frequently asked questions

Clay mask