Skin whitening has become a controversial issue in recent years. Many are concerned that skin lighteners are harmful to the skin, while others see it as an opportunity for self-expression. As people around the world continue to use these products, more research is being conducted on their effects and side effects.
Skin lightening & brightening have been used since ancient times in different cultures of Africa, Asia, Europe and South America by men and women alike.

Whether skin lightening, and skin brightening, skin products exist as a result of skin conditions such as skin hyper-pigmentation, skin discolorations or skin aging, most skin whitening cream and skin lightening agents have been developed to inhibit melanin production in order to achieve skin complexion that is lighter than its natural tone. Most people with skin discolorations will go to great lengths to lighten skin, because skin discoloration is often considered a sign of being unhealthy and dirty. While there are skin whitening products available in the market today, most have been found to have dangerous adverse effects, hence skin whitening or skin brightening skin care products remain controversial.

Whiteners and skin lighteners for skin conditions such as skin hyper-pigmentation and skin discolorations can be divided into three major categories, each of which is used for a different purpose.

- Depigmenting agents such as monobenzone that inhibit tyrosinase or melanin production to treat skin darkness caused by skin hyper-pigmentation or skin discolorations.

- Skin Bleaching agents such as hydroquinone that work by inhibiting skin melanocytes from producing skin pigment to treat skin darkness caused by skin aging. These skin bleachers have been banned in many countries because of their toxic side effects on the skin and body.

- Skin Whitening Agents such as skin brightening skin care products that work by inhibiting skin discolorations caused by skin hyper-pigmentation or skin aging to achieve lighter skin tone without causing toxic side effects.