-Brightens skin tone and visibly fades dark spots

-Evens out skin tone and reduces pigmentation

-Firms the skin for a plumper, smoother look

-Calms the appearance of redness and visible irritation

-Provides antioxidant defense against environmental stressors

-Improves skin's bounce and resilience

-Hydrates and supports skin barrier function

Motif Power Brightening Bicelle Serum is built on cutting-edge delivery technology and a robust roster of clinically studied plant-based brightening actives. At the heart of this formula is a proprietary bicelle system—a lipid nanostructure scientifically proven to enhance ingredient penetration and effectiveness.

Bicelle Delivery System:
Bicelles are disk-shaped phospholipid aggregates smaller than traditional liposomes (10-50nm vs. 200-500nm), allowing them to penetrate the stratum corneum—the skin's outermost barrier—more effectively. Once inside, bicelles reorganize into hydrated lamellar structures that create new pathways for ingredient delivery while preserving the skin's natural lipid barrier. Studies show that bicelle pretreatment significantly enhances the absorption of both hydrophilic (water-loving) and even high-molecular-weight compounds into deeper skin layers, without disrupting barrier function or causing irritation. This mechanism supports better ingredient bioavailability and sustained release, meaning actives can work longer and more efficiently.​

Niacinamide:
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is supported by multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, even skin tone, and improve fine lines and texture. Unlike many brightening agents, niacinamide does not inhibit tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin). Instead, it works by blocking the transfer of melanosomes—pigment-carrying organelles—from melanocytes to keratinocytes, reducing the visible appearance of dark spots by 35-68% in clinical studies. It also calms inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier by increasing ceramide synthesis, and provides photoprotection.​

Oxyresveratrol (from Artocarpus Lakoocha/Monkey Fruit):
Oxyresveratrol is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor, showing 32-fold stronger inhibition than kojic acid and nearly 25 times more potent than kojic acid in some assays (IC50 of 1.2 µM). It works as a non-competitive inhibitor, meaning it doesn't compete with the substrate but instead alters the enzyme's structure to reduce melanin production. Human clinical trials with Artocarpus lakoocha extract have shown significant skin brightening within 2-4 weeks, along with strong antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Oxyresveratrol also suppresses melanogenesis at multiple points, including dendrite formation and melanosome transport.​

Bakuchiol:
A meroterpene derived from Psoralea corylifolia, bakuchiol functions as a retinol alternative with comparable anti-aging and brightening benefits but without irritation. Clinical studies confirm it upregulates collagen types I, III, and IV gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts, supporting firmer skin appearance and reduced fine lines. It also inhibits UV-induced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), protecting collagen from breakdown, while offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and melanin-suppressing effects. In a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial, bakuchiol demonstrated greater reductions in hyperpigmentation than retinol, with better tolerability and no scaling, redness, or stinging.​

Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD):
A water-soluble derivative of azelaic acid and glycine, PAD is a gentle yet effective brightening agent. Clinical studies with 3-5% concentrations show significant increases in skin luminosity and reductions in hyperpigmentation after 3-4 weeks. PAD works by competitively inhibiting tyrosinase, reducing melanin production, and offers anti-inflammatory and sebum-normalizing properties. It has been clinically validated in the treatment of rosacea, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, with improvements in erythema, flushing, and skin texture.​

Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra):
Licorice extract contains glabridin, a compound with tyrosinase inhibition 16 times greater than hydroquinone in vitro, without affecting DNA synthesis. Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate clinical efficacy in treating melasma and UV-induced pigmentation, with significant reductions in pigmentation and improvement in skin brightness. Glabridin also scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing erythema and soothing irritation.​

Bearberry Extract (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi):
Bearberry extract contains arbutin, a natural tyrosinase inhibitor. Clinical trials have shown that arbutin can brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, with some studies suggesting superiority to hydroquinone in terms of safety and tolerability. It works by inhibiting melanin synthesis at the tyrosinase step, leading to gradual fading of dark spots without side effects.

Ecklonia Cava (Algae) Extract:
This brown algae extract is clinically validated for its significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties. Studies confirm it helps defend skin cells against environmental damage from UV, pollution, and oxidative stress, supporting overall skin health and resilience.

Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake):
Fermented rice contains kojic acid and amino acids, which have been shown in studies to brighten skin significantly within 7 days and improve hydration by upregulating filaggrin, a key protein in the skin barrier. It also offers gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection.

After cleansing, apply 1-2 pumps to face and neck. Use daily, AM and PM.

Tip: Provides an immediate glow and antioxidant protection when used alone or layered under moisturizer or makeup.