I had a go at the Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum last year, that promised to get to work on pigmentation in 14 days tops. Well I took them at their word and put them to the test but really only could attest to some minimal effects within the 14 days. I eventually finished up the bottle, and I will say that regular use does offer generally brighter, more even skintone, but the persistent pigment spots remain.
This year, Shiseido ups things by telling you to expect results in 10 days vs 14. Wow!
The packaging remains the same. The sturdy plastic bottle with its iridescent purple tones that is present in the White Lucent range. The name remains the same too… bar one small detail. The + sign. In 2012, Shiseido brings the White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum +
I only got my hands on this one, so there wasn’t time to put it to the 10 day test. I may do so at a later date. Am also getting some treatment done that I may or may not stick with so once I decide on that, I’ll try this one out. Its only due out in March/April 2012 anyway so there’s time yet :)
I must say I rather like how pretty the bottle looks in this photo. It looks like its lit from within and that brightening effect is is the other benefit of using a serum like this one. It helps brighten your skin which I am told, is different from just mere whitening.
You can have whitening which is like bleaching, and yet have dull looking skin. Or you can have tanned skin, but brightened which is an even skin tone with a glow. No, I never quite thought about it that way either! You may notice these days that the skincare talk about brightening as opposed to whitening. I think the focus is shifting with the realization that you can have snow white skin but one that looks dull and lifeless. I actually am going through that now, which I will share at a later point in time :)
So what’s different in this new Serum+? In addition to helping prevent formation of melanin, targeting the root of the melanin and reducing melanin after a spot is formed, the new Serum+ now helps you remove the signs of melanin formation which is targeted at the persistent dark spots. I would however include a caveat that as with all whitening/brightening skincare, it would be best to use products from the whole range. I consider this a treatment, and it is really best to layer the products for best results, or you may just be disappointed.
Texture-wise, its a light watery serum pretty much like the previous version. It absorbs quickly and dries quickly too with no sticky feel. The scent of alcohol is quite strong, as I have come to expect in most Japanese skincare so it is pretty much like or hate :)
Based on my previous experience with this serum, I’d say that a user should expect that it will help keep pigmentation and dark spots under control but you cannot expect a miracle. You will not end up with a flawless, porcelain smooth, blemish free complexion with pigment spots totally eradicated. But you may end up with a more even, brighter skintone. I personally think that if you aren’t too fussed about it, then that’s enough :)
Here’s the ingredient list for anyone interested
The price remains the same – a hefty RM410/30ml so if you already use this product you can take heart that you are supposed to be getting an improved product at the same price :)
If this interests you, watch out for it in March/April 2012 at Shiseido counters :)
This just in: Shiseido Japan has a special site for this White Lucent Serum + going live on 16 January 2012 so do check out what other users think about it then! And you might see mine too whee! :D Here’s the link to the special site (live on Monday – I’m going to check it out then too :D ).
Paris B
Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ (2012 version) Price: RM410/30ml Availability: March/April 2012 at Shiseido counters
Their White Lucent actually works very well on my skin. I used 3 bottles of it and did see a substantial reduction on dark spots and freckles. So this one works better? Hhmmm….. *itch itch*
Yeah, this one’s supposed to be even more potent!
I was thinking of buying Estee Lauder’s spot corrector but am wondering whether I should switch to Shiseido. . .
Perhaps you could try snagging a sample and see which texture you prefer? You can’t see results from a sample, but at least you’d get to test the texture :)
I find that the only thing that works to keep my brown spots at bay is Retinol! And SPF 100….
Yes! SPF is essential for holding back the spots!
I was getting excited whilst reading your post until i saw the price!!! *jaw drops to the floor*
Haha… if its any consolation, its the same price as before :P
There’s Alcohol Denat as the 2nd item which explains the smell….
Very likely. Most Japanese products do contain alcohol too :)
Boo to denatured alcohol! No excuse for this not to be alcohol free. What’s the treatment you’re undergoing? So cool that your review will be on the special site! :D
Yeah, Japanese skincare is loaded with the stuff! My skin tolerates it quite well actually – I used to use Kanebo skincare till I started switching around and my skin really liked it :D
Frikkin’ RM400 bucks??! Nemind. Hehe.
LOL! Sadly yes
I’ve never tried this, even though I’ve heard good things about it. I’ve tried other spot lighteners like the Clinique one and had minimal results. But I’ve recently tried
Luminaze and it works wonders.
I’ve never come across Luminaze but the Clinique Even Better one worked quite well for me in that I saw significant results so I do tend to go back to that one if I feel the need :)
I tried the serum in the past too and I wasn’t impressed either. On the other hand I gave Clarins’ whitening serum a try this year and I really like it :)
I like that one too! It showed me results :) Maybe the Shiseido one just needs more patience or maybe the new formula works better :)
Thanks for the review. I have fairly even skin tone, but for some reason, my chin just abruptly turned ten shades darker. I had a sample of this range’s cleanser and it really helped calm it down. I also used tea tree oil generously every now and then. I was curious about this one right here. It is fairly expensive and looking white was never a big thing for me, so I think I may skip this one. The cleanser did impress me a lot, I may get the full sized cleanser and the moisturizer.
Would you say this is better than the even better serum from clinique? Cause I saw a post from before about it and I’m using it and the rest of the line and seeing results but slowly… Wanted to know if this one was worth the value! :) thanks x
For me, for faster results Clinique Even Better gave me faster and more obvious results. This was good for maintenance. Depends on what you are looking for.
okay, thank you :) I will stick to Clinique then xx