A close friend of mine from the Philippines recently introduced me to this increasingly popular soap: Dr. Alvin’s Kojic acid soap. Known for its widespread popularity in Asian countries, I was intrigued by its claims and decided to give it a try.
From the moment it reached my doorstep, I could tell this was something special. The soap arrived in a simple yet eye-catching packaging with detailed instructions. Upon unwrapping, I was greeted by a dark orange-colored bar with a soft and smooth texture, which was quite unique for a soap of its kind. The real deal also comes with “Dr. Alvin” stamped on the side, ensuring authenticity.
Regarding size and fragrance, the 135g bar was fairly large, but not too heavy. The soap itself was a bit soft, which made it easy to cut into smaller portions if desired. It was also highly fragrant and pleasant, with a faint citrus scent that lingered on my skin after showering.
Now, let me dive into what matters most – the effectiveness of Dr. Alvin’s soap.
I primarily used it to fade my tan and brighten my complexion. After experiencing the initial micro-peeling phase for a week or two, I began to notice visible improvements by the second week! Particularly around my elbows and knees, the soap helped these areas return to their normal shades while keeping my overall skin tone more even and radiant.
Unlike most Kojic soaps that often cause an intense astringent feeling, this one is surprisingly mild. As a rinse-off product, results aren’t immediate but the wait is definitely worthwhile.
The packaging instructions suggest usage 2 times a day, but since I have sensitive skin, I used it once a day. For my body, I would let it sit for not more than 2 minutes, and for my face, only 30 seconds. I learned it’s better to wait for a few minutes before applying any moisturizer or toner, as it tends to sting if you don’t.
Cautious Notes
I noticed that it is drying if used during winter, so it’s essential to moisturize well after using the soap. Scrubbing too hard when using this soap is not ideal, as it can lead to skin sensitivity.
Be aware that prolonged use of kojic acid products may increase the risk of sunburn, and some individuals may experience side effects like redness, irritation, or discomfort. I recommend doing a patch test before you start using this soap regularly – rub it in and let it dry on the skin. If you notice any reaction like a rash, burning, tingling, or inflammation, it’s better to stop using it immediately.
Although it can be a challenge to find the real Dr. Alvin soap in stores, make sure that you purchase it from a reputable source. You can identify the real Dr. Alvin soap by the “Dr. Alvin” stamp on the side.
