1. What this document is for

This handout explains non‑prescription (over‑the‑counter) creams marketed for “brightening”, “radiance”, “glow” or “even tone”, so you can understand what they are, how they work on the surface of the skin, and how they are usually used.³

It is general information only and does not replace a consultation with your doctor, pharmacist, or another health professional; this is consistent with Australian guidance that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate information and involvement in decisions about their care.⁷

2. Important regulatory notes (AHPRA / TGA)

2.1 AHPRA (how health services can talk about products)

In Australia, health services must not advertise using language that is false, misleading or deceptive, or that creates unreasonable expectations of benefit.¹

Because of this, this document only talks about how these products may affect the appearance of the skin and avoids claiming that they “treat”, “fix” or “cure” any condition, which is in line with AHPRA’s advertising guidelines.^{1 2}

2.2 TGA (how products are classified)

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) decides whether a product is a therapeutic good based on what it is used for, what claims are made about it, and its ingredients and mode of action.^{3 4}

If a skin product only aims to change appearance (for example brightness, surface texture and evenness) and does not claim to treat or prevent disease, it is generally treated as a non‑therapeutic skin product rather than a medicine.^{3 10}

This handout therefore only covers non‑prescription, appearance‑focused products and does not promote any product as a therapeutic good, which aligns with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.^{5 6}

3. What are non‑prescription brightening / anti‑pigment creams?

These are over‑the‑counter skin‑care products used by people who want their skin to look brighter, more even, and less dull.

They act on the outer layers of the skin to change how the skin looks, not to diagnose or treat disease or alter body function, which is how regulators distinguish them from therapeutic goods.^{3 10}

They usually contain ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, mild hydroxy acids, plant extracts and low‑strength brightening agents that are available without a prescription.

They are not medicines, are not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as therapeutic goods, and are not designed to manage diagnosed skin conditions.^{3 4}

4. Main ingredient types (plain‑language explanations)

These explanations describe how ingredients are generally understood to affect appearance and surface comfort, not to treat disease.³

4.1 Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

• A form of vitamin B3 used in many non‑prescription skin products.
• Can help skin look more even, less blotchy and smoother on the surface.
• Often helps the skin hold moisture, which supports a healthier‑looking complexion.

It is popular because it is usually well tolerated and can be used morning and/or night.

4.2 Vitamin C (stabilised derivatives)

• Gentler, more stable forms of vitamin C are used in creams and serums.
• Often used to help the skin look more radiant and less dull, especially in the morning.
• Many people like the way vitamin C products sit under sunscreen or makeup, giving a more “awake” look.

Some people notice a mild tingle at first, which usually settles.

4.3 Mild hydroxy acids (AHA / PHA – low strength)

Common acids in non‑prescription products include lactic acid, mandelic acid, low‑percentage glycolic acid and PHAs such as gluconolactone.

They gently loosen dead surface skin cells, which can make the skin feel smoother and look more bright and polished.

Because they can be more active, they are often used at night, started 2–3 nights per week, and paired with moisturiser to reduce dryness.

4.4 Botanical (plant) extracts

Examples often seen on labels include licorice root, mulberry, bearberry, green tea and chamomile.

These are used to gently support a more even, glowy look, and many are chosen for their soothing and antioxidant effects, which can help the skin look calmer.

They are often preferred by people with more sensitive skin, where stronger acids are not tolerated.

4.5 Alpha‑arbutin (non‑prescription strength)

Alpha‑arbutin is used at low, non‑prescription strengths in many brightening creams.

It is aimed at gradually improving the appearance of uneven tone over time and is often combined with niacinamide or plant extracts.

Changes are usually slow and subtle, and require consistent use.

4.6 Combination brightening creams

Most “brightening” or “even tone” products are mixtures of several ingredients, such as:

• niacinamide with vitamin C
• niacinamide with alpha‑arbutin
• mild acid with hydrating and soothing ingredients
• plant extracts in a hydrating base

These combinations aim to improve overall radiance, surface texture, and give the impression of a more even complexion with regular use.

5. How to use these creams – step by step

These are general patterns seen in over‑the‑counter instructions; they are not a personalised treatment plan. Australian safety and quality standards emphasise that consumers should have clear, understandable information to make decisions about their own care and products.^{7 9}

5.1 Example morning routine (AM)

Step 1 – Cleanse

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.

Step 2 – Brightening product

Apply a thin layer of a product suited to morning use, such as niacinamide, a vitamin C derivative, or a plant‑based brightening cream.

Avoid the eyelids unless the label clearly says it is suitable for that area.

Step 3 – Moisturiser (if needed)

Use a light moisturiser if your skin feels dry or tight.

Step 4 – Sunscreen

Finish with sunscreen as recommended in Australia to help maintain the overall appearance of an even, healthy‑looking skin surface.³

5.2 Example night routine (PM)

Step 1 – Cleanse

Wash your face, rinse well, and gently pat dry.

Step 2 – Brightening product

At night, people often use low‑strength hydroxy acids, alpha‑arbutin products, or combination brightening creams.

Start with a small amount (about a pea size) for the whole face.

Step 3 – Moisturiser

Apply a moisturiser after the active product if your skin feels dry or sensitive.

Because mild acids can increase short‑term sensitivity, many labels recommend night‑time only use for these products.³

5.3 How often to use them

Common non‑prescription usage patterns include:

• Niacinamide: once or twice daily
• Vitamin C derivatives: once daily, usually in the morning
• Mild acids (AHA / PHA): start 2–3 nights per week, increase only if tolerated
• Plant extracts: often daily, morning and/or night
• Alpha‑arbutin: usually once daily, often at night

If the skin becomes red, dry or sore, product instructions typically advise reducing how often you use it or pausing until the skin settles.³

5.4 Combining different products

To reduce the chance of irritation, a simple approach is:

• Use one main active product in each routine.
• Example: Morning: vitamin C (or niacinamide); Night (every second night): mild acid; Other nights: niacinamide or a plain moisturiser.

Using several strong products together at the same time can increase the risk of redness and dryness, which is why gradual introduction is recommended in consumer guidance.^{3 10}

5.5 Adjusting for seasons and sensitivity

In warmer months:

• People often choose lighter textures (lotions, gels).
• Some reduce how often they use acids if they feel more sensitive.

In cooler months:

• Heavier, more hydrating creams may be needed.
• Some choose gentler acids (for example lactic acid) and add extra moisturiser.

If your skin tends to be sensitive, it is usually safer to start with niacinamide and plant extracts, then decide later if you want to try acids or stronger products.

6. Safety – what to expect and what to do

Australian safety and quality standards state that consumers have the right to safe care and clear information about risks, including from products they choose to use on their skin.^{7 8}

6.1 Common mild reactions

Non‑prescription brightening creams can sometimes cause:

• mild tingling or warmth on application
• short‑term redness (often 15–30 minutes)
• dry patches
• mild flaking or peeling, especially with acid‑containing products

These effects are usually mild and temporary, and often improve when the product is used less often.

6.2 When to reduce how often you use it

Consider using the product less often (such as every second night, or pausing for a few days) if:

• redness lasts longer than about 30 minutes
• the skin feels persistently tight, sore or itchy
• flaking or cracking becomes obvious
• stinging gets worse with each use

Most non‑prescription instructions advise reducing frequency and increasing moisturiser if irritation appears.³

6.3 When to stop completely and seek help

Stop using the product and seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if you notice:

• swelling
• a hot or burning feeling
• severe stinging
• blistering, oozing or an intense rash

These products are only for unbroken skin, and persistent or severe reactions should be reviewed as part of safe, appropriate care.^{7 8}

6.4 Patch‑testing a new product

Many brands and safety resources recommend patch‑testing before using a new product widely:

• Apply a small amount to a limited area (for example behind the ear or along the jawline).
• Wait 24 hours.
• If you do not see strong redness, burning or swelling, it is usually safer to try a larger area.

If the test area reacts strongly, do not use the product all over your face.

7. What these products cannot do (limits)

This section is critical for staying within AHPRA and TGA rules and for keeping expectations realistic.^{1 5}

7.1 Not a treatment for diagnosed skin disease

These non‑prescription creams:

• do not diagnose or treat skin disease
• do not replace a skin check or medical opinion
• are not used to manage serious or suspicious skin changes

If you are worried about any patch, spot or change on your skin, you should see your GP or dermatologist, consistent with the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights (access and safety).⁷

7.2 Do not change underlying body function

These creams:

• work only on surface layers of the skin
• do not aim to change deeper structures
• do not claim to alter body functions, which would move them into the therapeutic goods space.^{3 4}

7.3 Not a replacement for proper medical care

If you have:

• rapidly changing patches or spots
• bleeding, ulceration, or very dark lesions
• any feature that worries you

you should seek a proper medical review, rather than relying on over‑the‑counter creams, in line with national clinical governance expectations for safe, timely care.⁸

7.4 Results vary and are not guaranteed

Because these products are non‑prescription and act mainly on appearance:

• changes are often subtle and gradual
• some people may notice improvement in brightness and evenness, others may not
• no specific result can be guaranteed

Australian advertising rules require that information does not create unrealistic expectations of benefit, so this document does not promise that any particular product will work for you.^{1 5}

8. Key take‑home points for you

These creams are non‑prescription, over‑the‑counter skin‑care products, not medicines.^{3 4}

• They are used to help the skin look brighter and more even, not to treat disease.
• Common ingredients include niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, mild acids, plant extracts, and low‑strength brightening agents.
• Start slowly, especially with acid‑containing products, and use moisturiser and sunscreen regularly.³
• If your skin becomes very sore, swollen, blistered or otherwise worrying, stop the product and seek medical advice.^{7 8}
• If you are worried about any spot or patch of skin, get a proper skin check, not just a cream.

Sources

1. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 2020, Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service, AHPRA, December 2020, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?chksum=0sNkdBzefE4jEabpVY862A%3D%3D&dbid=AP&record=WD20%2F30461↩
2. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) n.d., Advertising guidelines and other guidance – Advertising a regulated health service, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance/Advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2024, Determining if your product is a cosmetic or therapeutic good, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, updated 9 October 2024, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/determining-if-your-product-cosmetic-or-therapeutic-good ↩
4. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2022, Is my product a therapeutic good? Decision tree, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/decision-trees/my-product-therapeutic-good ↩
5. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2025, Applying the advertising code, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, updated 11 March 2025, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/products/regulations-all-products/advertising/applying-advertising-code ↩
6. Australian Government 2021, Therapeutic Goods (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument 2021, Federal Register of Legislation, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021L01661 ↩
7. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) 2019, Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights (second edition), ACSQHC, Sydney, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/partnering-consumers/australian-charter-healthcare-rights ↩
8. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) 2017, National Model Clinical Governance Framework, ACSQHC, Sydney, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/national-model-clinical-governance-framework ↩
9. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) 2022, Using the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights in your health service – Fact sheet, ACSQHC, July 2022, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/fact_sheet_-_using_the_australian_charter_of_healthcare_rights_in_your_health_service_-_july_2022.pdf ↩
10. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) n.d., Is my product a cosmetic?, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 27 November 2025, https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/my-product-cosmetic ↩