1.
skin-whitening effect; skin-brightening effect
The cosmetic effect of making skin appear lighter, more even-toned, or more luminous. A major concept in the Japanese beauty and skincare industry, referring to products that reduce spots, freckles, and dullness.
この化粧水には美白効果がある。
This toner has a skin-brightening effect.
ビタミンCは美白効果が高いとされている。
Vitamin C is considered to have strong skin-whitening effects.
美白効果を謳う製品は多いが、医薬部外品として認可された成分が含まれているか確認することが大切だ。
Many products claim skin-whitening effects, but it is important to check whether they contain ingredients approved as quasi-drugs.
Composed of 美白 (skin whitening/brightening) and 効果 (effect). 美白 literally means "beautiful white" and is a major marketing and beauty concept in Japan. In the Japanese cosmetics industry, 美白 is officially defined as "preventing melanin production and suppressing spots and freckles" rather than literally bleaching the skin.
CULTURAL NOTE:
Fair skin has historically been valued in Japanese aesthetics, reflected in the proverb 色白は七難隠す ("fair skin hides seven flaws"). The modern 美白 industry is enormous, with dedicated product lines from every major cosmetics brand.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 美白効果のある: having a whitening effect
- 美白効果が高い: high whitening effect
- 美白効果を期待する: to expect a whitening effect
- 美白効果を謳う: to advertise a whitening effect
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 美白: skin whitening — the concept itself; often used as a modifier
- 美肌: beautiful skin — broader than whitening; includes smoothness, moisture, and overall skin quality
- 日焼け止め: sunscreen — a preventive product that helps maintain fair skin by blocking UV rays
- {シミ}: spots, dark spots — the blemishes that whitening products aim to reduce