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Ambi Skincare Fade Cream

*Est. $5.50 for 2 oz.

Reviewed

December 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Effective
Brightens complexion
Reduces dark spots

Cons

Results are slow
Unpleasant scent

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
23 Amazon Reviews

Bottom line

Ambi Skincare Fade Cream relies on its active ingredient, hydroquinone, to gradually reduce dark age spots. Reviewers say it works but it takes a few weeks to see results. This formula is not meant for long-term use, however -- once results are accomplished usage should be stopped. For an everyday wrinkle cream, experts recommend Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.), which is chock-full of antioxidants. Ambi Skincare Fade Cream is available in Normal Skin and Oily Skin formulas.

Performance

It works but requires patience: Experts say that hydroquinone, the active ingredient in Ambi Skincare Fade Cream, is the gold standard for reducing the appearance of age spots. It works by slowing down melanin production (the component in skin responsible for creating color). Ambi Fade Cream contains two percent hydroquinone -- the maximum amount allowed in an over-the-counter formula. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids that slough off dead skin cells, in turn brightening the overall skin tone and allowing the hydroquinone to more effectively penetrate the skin. Experts praise Ambi Fade Cream's affordable price tag. Users at Drugstore.com, MakeupAlley.com and Amazon.com say that it really does work, although it can take a couple of months of consistent use to see real results. Even then, a prescription-strength formula (four percent) may be needed to remove spots completely. It's important to note that hydroquinone can increase sun sensitivity -- increasing the likelihood of developing even more age spots -- so it is imperative to wear a sunscreen while using this formula, and usage should be discontinued once a normal skin tone is achieved.

Feel and smell

Unpleasant, medicinal scent: Users say Ambi Fade Cream goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly but doesn't smell very good. Most say the scent fades quickly, however.

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum - Fragrance Free Moisturizer 1.7 Fl Oz

from Amazon.com

New: $19.99 $8.99

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Ambi Skincare Fade Cream, Normal Skin, 2 oz (56 g)

(23 reviews)
Buy new: $4.99 12 New from $1.99

In Stock.

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Our Sources

1. Allure

Review Credibility: Good Ambi Skincare Fade Cream makes Allure magazine's annual list of best beauty buys for its affordable price tag and effective ingredients. Editors say that dermatologists rave over this product.

Review: Best of Beauty: Cheap Thrills, Meirav Devash, October 2010

2. Drugstore.com

Review Credibility: Good More than 120 consumers at Drugstore.com review Ambi Skincare Fade Cream, giving it an above-average overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Users love that it absorbs quickly and goes on smoothly. Several say that it lightens age spots significantly but takes two months or more of consistent use. Others note that it does little to nothing to improve skin tone.

Review: Ambi Skin Discoloration Fade Cream, for Normal Skin, Contributors to Drugstore.com, As of January 2013

3. MakeupAlley.com

Review Credibility: Good More than 80 reviewers at MakeupAlley.com comment on Ambi Fade Cream, giving it an overall rating of about 3.7 stars out of 5. Most are pleased with the results saying that it certainly fades age spots and acne marks, but it takes time and doesn't usually get rid of them completely.

Review: Ambi Fade Cream, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com

4. Amazon.com

Review Credibility: Good More than 100 reviewers at Amazon.com give Ambi Skincare Fade Cream an average overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars. Comments here are similar to those at Drugstore.com and MakeupAlley.com -- the formula works to fade age spots, but results are slow and require consistent use.

Review: Ambi Skincare Fade Cream, Normal Skin, 2-Ounce Tube, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of January 2013

5. About.com

Review Credibility: Fair Julyne Derrick, About.com's guide to beauty, discusses several wrinkle treatments, including hydroquinone for dark spots. She says dermatologist-favorite, Ambi Fade Cream is "super affordable" and effective, but it may take a few weeks to see results. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Fine Lines & Wrinkles: How to Get Rid of Them, Julyne Derrick, Not Dated

6. O, The Oprah Magazine

Review Credibility: Fair Editors at O, The Oprah Magazine recommend Ambi Skincare Fade Cream for at-home treatment of age spots. It contains a lower dosage of hydroquinone than prescription-strength creams but should work in about eight to 12 weeks.

Review: Age Spots? Lines? Dullness?, Editors of O, The Oprah Magazine, January 2009

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