Melanin, the pigment responsible for the darkening of the skin, is produced deep in the skin by melanocytes, melanin producing cells. The melanin is then transferred to the adjacent skin cells by a process called melanin load. Exposure to the sun makes the melanocytes produce more melanin, which leads to darkening or tanning.

Therefore, the key ingredient of all fairness preparations is a chemical agent that reduces the melanin production. But the list of natural ingredients used in these products reads almost like a shopping list with a long stop at the grocers. From the ayurvedically-proven turmeric and saffron to milk (Cleopatra?s beauty secret), honey, cucumber and lemon to exotic ingredients that sound good enough to eat. Plants extracts abound, from rosemary and chamomile to Indian berberry, lavender and seaweed. Even sesame and groundnuts can help make one fair, if one were to go by the claims of some herbal beauty products. Fruit extracts are also popular from watermelons and oranges to kiwis and winter cherry.

As for flowers, if nature made them, fairness creams have them. From the Indian hibiscus to the English white willow, all find fair representation.