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Dullness, Spots + Uneven Tone

VX.4 | Daily Skin-Brightening Formula

Personalized Rx Formula

$95 Starting Price

Shine. Radiance. Clarity. Whatever you call that youthful glow, this custom Rx formula reignites it, and then some. We've packed in five potent ingredients that work synergistically at the cellular level to even out tone and texture and prevent new discoloration from appearing. Take our quiz to get your personalized formula.

Find Your Formula

Key Ingredients

Your skin is unique. Your skincare should be too. That's why we tailor each formula specifically for you. Your product will include the right ingredients at the right concentrations.

Key ingredients for dullness, spots and uneven tone treatment
Arguably dermatologists' favorite retinoid, tretinoin is *the* ingredient of skin rejuvenation. Dozens of studies back up its ability to stimulate new collagen and cell turnover to shrink fine lines and wrinkles and spark cellular repair. As compared to over-the-counter retinol in treating aging skin, studies show tretinoin is 10 to 20 times more effective. (Mic drop.)
0.01% to 0.05% Concentration Range
It's like a stop sign for melanin, the pigment that causes unwanted marks and blotches. By interfering with melanin production, it creates a glowier, more even-toned surface.
3% Concentration
Another tyrosinase-blocker, but with a twist: Kojic acid knows to halt the melanin-producing enzyme only when the skin tries to pump it out due to damage or injury, not during the normal pigmentation process. This means it diminishes spots without over-lightening.
Up to 1.5% Concentration Range
A derivative of hydroquinone, it has a similar résumé—inhibits tyrosinase (a key enzyme in the production of melanin), evens out tone, and brightens—but with a gentle touch, thanks to its slower release and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it's an antioxidant, neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals from the sun and pollution.
2.5% Concentration
A type of vitamin B3 and an antioxidant, niacinamide can minimize blotches and sallowness while reducing inflammation. By increasing the production of skin lipids like fatty acids, it helps shore up skin's barrier.
2% Concentration
Gently renews skin and inhibits the production of melanin for brightening benefits. It's an anti-inflammatory, so it tamps down irritation from other (slightly less kind) ingredients.
2% - 3% Concentration Range
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, which means it attracts and draws water into skin. There are two kinds of HA: low molecular weight HA (smaller molecules that penetrate the skin's surface for serious hydration) and high molecular weight HA (these sit on skin's surface for immediate moisture and plumping effects). All Cottonball products contain both types.
0.5% Concentration

Expert Approved

Photo of Ron Robinson

Ron Robinson

Cottonball Chief Cosmetic Chemist Advisor

"VX.4 combines the best brightening ingredients on the market—tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and azelaic acid, along with proven prescription tretinoin to restore skin’s luminosity."

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To Use

-How to use VX.1 product instructions
  • (01)

    In the evening, wash your skin with a gentle cleanser, and dry it. Wait at least 15 minutes. If you're using VX.4 as an overall brightener, apply one pump (a pea-size amount) evenly over your face, avoiding the undereye area. To use VX.4 as a spot treatment, spread that pea-size dollop onto just the spots and areas that are hyperpigmented.

  • (02)

    Start with 2-3 nights per week on non-consecutive nights. If your skin is tolerating the formula well after 2 weeks, increase to 4 nights a week for 1 to 2 weeks, then 5 nights a week for another week, gradually following this pattern until you get to nightly use. If nightly use causes dryness or irritation, stop using the cream for 1 week, and then resume with less frequency. (If you're transitioning from our CX.1 Advanced Dark Spot Treatment, wait 3-5 days before beginning VX.4 to allow your skin time to adjust.)

     

  • (03)

    Follow with a gentle moisturizer to maintain hydration and further support the skin barrier.

  • (04)

    Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ during the day to protect results and prevent new pigmentation. A mineral formula with iron oxides is particularly helpful against spots.

Safety Information

Have A Question?

Browse our FAQs or ask in the space below.
Who will get the best results from VX.4?

Patients with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other pigmentary changes from sun exposure can see lightening with VX.4. You'll get the best results if you also use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily. UV exposure can worsen pigment issues and even bring back spots that have previously faded.

When should I start seeing results?

This formula contains ingredients that work ASAP and long-term. You'll see improvements in skin hydration, softness, texture, and radiance instantly. As you continue usage, these benefits will increase as the tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and other actives work more deeply and noticeably. Around 3 months, you should see significant changes.

Does this work for individual dark spots or allover dullness?

Both. Tranexamic acid will specifically target individual spots, while tretinoin and azelaic acid will help exfoliate, removing the dull outer layer of skin to achieve an overall glow.

How long do I use this product?

You can continue to use VX.4 as long as you want to either treat unwanted pigmentation or prevent it from recurring.

Can I only use this after the 12-week CX.1?

VX.4 is an ideal maintenance product once you've used the more intensive CX.1 to fade spots. But it can also be used independently from CX.1 The Cottonball combination of tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid and alpha arbutin in VX.4 can help soften melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun spots. VX.4 is also a good choice for brightening overall dullness.

I have melasma but I'm also pregnant. Can I use this product?

No, VX.4 is not recommended for pregnant people. Specifically, you should avoid products that contain tretinoin, found in VX.4, if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are not breastfeeding or have stopped, you can then begin to use VX.4, which helps treat melasma. See more in our safety information.

Powerful Actives, Transformative Results