Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is one of the products in the skin care collection created by Dr. Steven Gundry, MD. If you aren’t familiar with Dr. Gundry, he is one of the world’s pre-eminent experts in heart surgery. After 30 years of working as a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Gundry left his position to open The Center for Restorative Medicine. His center is devoted to teaching patients how to live healthier lives through diet and lifestyle choices.
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| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
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| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
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| - | Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher |
While it’s clear that Dr. Gundry is helping people improve their health with natural remedies, does that mean his skin care products can help to improve the health of your skin? To answer this question, we are going to dive deep into the formulation of Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher.
We’ll review this product through a scientific lens, meaning we’ll give you the research that supports (or doesn’t support) the ingredients used in this product. We’ll also share Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher reviews so that you can read what customers really think of this product.
Who is Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher For?
Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is meant to be used by those with age spots, sun spots, and liver spots – the dark spots that give your skin a blotchy, uneven tone, and can make you look much older.
Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is said to help:
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots
- Give skin a smoother, more even look
- Make skin appear healthier and more vibrant
- Protect against the formation of new dark spots
What Are The Key Ingredients in Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher?
If there’s one thing we’ve learned after reviewing hundreds of skin care products here on The Derm Review, it’s that what a brand claims the key ingredients are in a product aren’t always the true key ingredients. What we mean by this is a brand can highlight the key ingredients on their website, listing all of the benefits and explaining how this ingredient can improve your skin. And what they say about this ingredient is true.
But if you look at the product ingredient list (which is in order of descending concentrations) you’ll notice that these “key” ingredients are often at the very end of the list. Ingredients at the end of the list are present in very low concentrations. So the brand isn’t technically lying. The “key” ingredient is present in the product formulation. But more often than not, the supposed key ingredients are used in low concentrations (likely as a way to save money).
Unfortunately, this is the case for Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher. For example, if you look on the sales page for this product on the Gundry MD website, you’ll notice that blueberry fruit extract is listed as a key ingredient. But if you look at the ingredient list, blueberry fruit extract is near the very end! That means there is a very low concentration of blueberry fruit extract in this product. In fact, there’s more fragrance in this product formulation than blueberry fruit extract!
So what are the true key ingredients in Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher? Looking at the ingredient list, the highest concentration ingredients (after water) are bacillus ferment, diglucosyl gallic acid, grape seed oil, squalane, glycerin, and kakadu plum extract.
Bacillus ferment is created through the fermentation of the gram positive bacteria Bacillus Subtilis, which yields a protease that has keratolytic activity. Ultimately, this means that Bacillus ferment helps to exfoliate dead skin cells by breaking down keratin, the protein that acts as a “glue” to keep dead skin cells together in the stratum corneum.
Diglucosyl gallic acid (trade name Brightenyl) is a synthetic molecule that is activated by the skin’s microbiome and functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme involved in the production of melanin (skin pigment). So by inhibiting this enzyme, diglucosyl gallic acid can help to reduce dark spots and promote a more even skin tone.
In a study published by the manufacturer, it was found that using 2% Brightenyl for 12 weeks controlled skin tone via the inhibition of melanin synthesis as well as the modulation of skin brightness, yellowness, and redness.
The next key ingredient in Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is grape seed oil, a lightweight and moisturizing emollient. It has a high affinity with the structure of skin cells, and therefore is absorbed easily without leaving a greasy feeling behind. This property also enables the oil to deliver other active ingredients deeper into the skin. Grape seed oil is a rich source of vitamin E, a lipid soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals.
Another effective emollient in Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is squalane. Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that mimics squalene (note the e), a natural compound in your skin that plays an important role in lubrication and protection. Squalane helps to replenish and strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier.
Glycerin is one of the most common humectants used in skin care, and we aren’t surprised to find a high concentration of this ingredient in Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher. A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups. These groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially “grabbing” it and holding it on the skin and improving skin hydration.
The final key ingredient in Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher that we’d like to discuss is Kakadu plum extract, a natural source of vitamin C. In fact, according to Healthline Kakadu plums have the highest recorded natural amount of vitamin C of any food in the world. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can protect the skin from free radicals, stimulate collagen production, and decrease the appearance of dark spots through inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase. Ultimately, the vitamin C in Kakadu plum extract helps to reveal a brighter, smoother, and clearer complexion.
While these are all beneficial ingredients, keep in mind that Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher also contains a decent amount of fragrance. The use of synthetic fragrance ingredients can be a problem because the brand can use a proprietary blend of chemicals to create the fragrance, and they do not have to disclose which chemicals they use on the label. They are allowed to list this blend as “Fragrance (Parfum)” on the ingredient list.
A 2018 study by Women’s Voices for the Earth discovered that in over 3,000 chemicals reportedly used for fragrances, 1,242 were chemicals of concern – and that included at least 7 possible carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. Fragrance ingredients also have the potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
One product we recommend is Carrot & Stick Brightening Spot Treatment. It contains high concentrations 2 highly effective plant-based compounds combine to correct the look of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
How to Use Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher?
Dispense a small amount (about the size of a dime) of Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher and apply directly to your dark spots.
Where to Buy Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher?
You can buy Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher on the brand’s website (gundrymd.com) and on Amazon.
How Much Does Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher Cost?
On the brand’s website, Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher costs $120 USD for 1 fl oz.
What is The Gundry MD Return Policy?
Gundry MD offers a 90-Day Money Back Warranty on all products purchased through the brand’s website.
Is Gundry MD Cruelty Free?
Yes, Gundry MD is cruelty free.
Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher Reviews
Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive, with the product receiving mostly four and five star ratings.
For example, one 5-star review says, “Yes, I was skeptical, but I’ve been using it for about 6 months or more. I wasn’t even applying it daily, but I can definitely tell the difference. I would definitely recommend it, and I will keep buying it. I’m sorry I didn’t take before and after pics. But it worked for me!”
What’s odd is that all of the reviews on the brand’s website are four and five star ratings, nothing less. However, the Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher reviews on Amazon tell a different story. There are a handful of one and two star reviews from customers who were disappointed with this product because they didn’t see any results whatsoever.
For example, one review says, “I bought a total of five bottles of the dark spot remover; used it twice daily after cleaning my face and in the almost seven months I’ve seen zero lightening. I took a close-up picture for comparison, and there was no discernible change. A waste of money! Note: I bought directly from Gundry, not Amazon.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is a decent option for those with dark spots, although we wish the brand would create a fragrance-free version of the product.
Pros
- Formula contains a good mix of emollients and brightening ingredients
- Many positive Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher reviews
Cons
- Brand uses low concentrations of some key ingredients
- Contains a synthetic fragrance blend
- High price point ($120 USD for 1 fl oz). In our opinion, Gundry MD products aren’t worth the money, simply because there are other skincare products that offer greater value. One brand is Carrot & Stick, a skincare brand that balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.
What Are Some Alternatives to Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address uneven skin tone, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.
References:
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015; 8: 579–589.
CHealthline “7 Health Benefits of Kakadu Plum”
Women’s Voices for the Earth “Unpacking The Fragrance Industry” 2018
D R Original review: Mar 21, 2024.
I wish I’d found these reviews before buying Dr. Gundry’s Dark Spot Diminisher. I’ve used almost an entire bottle just on my cheeks and there is absolutely no difference. The dark spots are still there as before. Total waste of money and hope.