PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel Review

Posted on by Judy Rose
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Skin discoloration of any kind, whether it’s dark spots, melasma, or acne scars, occurs when pigment-producing cells produce too much melanin. This can be triggered by multiple causes, including sun damage, acne, aging, and hormonal imbalances. Even though hyperpigmentation is harmless, once you’ve got it, it is difficult to get rid of. But don’t panic! The damage can be reversed! PCA Skin hydroquinone-free Pigment Gel is one of the most popular spot treatment serums used for hyperpigmentation and dark patches. Here’s a detailed PCA Skin Pigment Gel review for you to decide whether it’s the best option for you.

PCA Skin HQ-free Pigment Gel

Product Claims

PCA Skin HQ-free Pigment Gel is claimed to lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, reduce skin discoloration, and promote an even skin tone. In addition, the manufacturer claims that this spot treatment serum is highly effective and safe for use on all skin types.
Its main ingredients are Azelaic acid, kojic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, and lactic acid.
PCA SKIN has been around since 1990, it was created by an esthetician and a dermatologist. Over the years, the brand has gained tremendous popularity, recognition, and respect in the beauty industry.
All PCA skin products are free of potential irritants, such as fragrances and dyes, as well as cruelty-free.

Key Ingredients

PCA Skin Pigment Gel contains numerous ingredients; all aimed at reducing pigmentation and helping you regain your normal skin complexion.
Some of its most effective ingredients include:

• Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a natural skin-lightening ingredient that inhibits and prevents the production of melanin. It is used in many types of creams and lotions to help treat sun damage,acne scars, and age spots. This makes it the perfect additive for ensuring that you have an even skin tone.
Kojic acid is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

• Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a natural ingredient derived from grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase that contributes to the production of melanin, which helps to promote a clear skin complexion and even skin tone.

It is gentle and safe, and has also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which makes it a great treatment for acne too.

• Phenylethyl Resorcinol

Phenylethyl Resorcinol is an antioxidant that plays a major role in clearing skin discoloration and brightening the skin.

• Lactic Acid

This ingredient is used at lower concentrations to act as a humectant, as well as to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance the absorption of the other ingredients.

• Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally found in the human body. It plays a major role in inhibiting melanin production in the skin, and also in increasing skin’s firmness and elasticity and strengthening the collagen bonds in the skin.

• Witch hazel

Witch Hazel is used for its astringent, clarifying, and soothing properties.

As you can see, all these ingredients have skin-lightening properties, they work together to inhibit melanin production in the skin and to visibly diminish skin discolorations, such as age spots, sun spots, dark spots, and acne scars.

PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel Review + Pros & Cons

This PCA Skin Pigment Gel review aims to look at this product from all angles, the good, the bad, and why you should or shouldn’t use it. Therefore, after careful consideration and in-depth studies, here’s what we found:
PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel is a hydroquinone-free formula that features powerful skin-lightening ingredients that work to gently refine and even the skin tone, diminishing age spots, sun spots, and acne scars for a radiant, clear complexion.

This spot treatment serum is formulated with a blend of Kojic, Lactic, and Azelaic acids that fades and prevents the formation of dark spots and other forms of pigmentation.

PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel is the best alternative for people who are unable to tolerate hydroquinone, pregnant and lactating women, or people who simply don’t want to risk using hydroquinone.

Pros:

  • Contains powerful, natural ingredients that have been proven to lighten skin.
  • Great treatment for age spots, sun spots, and post-acne scars.
  • Hydroquinone-free formula.
  • Highly effective for all skin types, even sensitive ones.
  • Safe for pregnancy.
  • A little goes a long way.
  • Dermatologist-recommended.
  • Paraben-free, fragrance-free.

Cons:

  • Lacks anti-aging ingredients.
  • A bit pricey.

Who is the Product For?

The PCA HQ-free Pigment Gel is great for people with skin discoloration, dark patches, and uneven skin tone; it is especially effective on dark spots and post-acne marks.

How to Use PCA HQ-free Pigment Gel?

As with any other skincare product, you are more likely to get the best results if you stick to the manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s how you can use the PCA Skin HQ-free Pigment Gel to get the best results:

Start by cleansing your skin. Spot-treat the area with a thin layer, then allow the gel to fully absorb into the skin. Afterward, you can apply your moisturizer, as well as a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen in the daytime.

Remember, you only want to use the PCA Skin Pigment Gel on targeted areas. Use it as an on-the-spot treatment. You really do not need a lot of this product for use during each application. As little as a few drops should be effective.
Remember also to stay hydrated throughout the treatment period for the best results.
To test your skin’s tolerance to the product, start by using it once or twice per week only in the evening, if you don’t notice any reaction or irritation in your skin, you can use it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
To enhance the results, you can use PCA Brightening Serum with 0.5% retinol, or a tretinoin cream before applying your PCA gel.

PCA HQ-free Pigment Gel Alternatives

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster:

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
This lightweight, oil-free serum contains 10% azelaic, salicylic acid, and licorice root to improve uneven skin tone and fight dark spots.
Unlike PCA skin HQ-free pigment gel, this serum doesn’t contain kojic acid nor lactic acid, and it is not safe to use during pregnancy.

The ordinary azelaic acid suspension 10:

The ordinary azelaic acid suspension 10

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10 is a thick cream-gel formulated with a 10% concentration of azelaic acid. It works to brighten the skin tone and improve the skin’s evenness.

The drawback of this product is that it contains silicone, so it feels heavy on the skin, in addition, azelaic acid is its only lightening agent.

Final Verdict

From what you’ve read so far and what we managed to gather to put this PCA Skin HQ-free Pigment Gel review together, it’s evident that this is one of the best skincare products for people dealing with dark spots, acne marks, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. And the numerous positive reviews from satisfied clients only prove its credibility.

Will it work for you? It depends on multiple factors, including the nature of your hyperpigmentation, how severe it is, etc. But it was shown that PCA Skin HQ-free Pigment Gel works best on mild sun spots, superficial hyperpigmentation, and cystic acne marks.

Keep in mind that it takes time and consistent use to achieve the desired results, so patience is key! Don’t forget to protect your skin with a good SPF sunscreen every day.
Full ingredient list:
Water, Alcohol Denat., Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, BHT, Glutathione, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Judy Rose

Hi, it’s Judy!

I’m a passionate skincare specialist and writer. I have more than 7 years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor, and I’m extremely passionate about what I do.

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