M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory
Hydroquinone can bleach the skin in high concentrations, whereas Alpha Arbutin offers a more controlled lightening effect
If your goal is to reduce specific dark spots or pigmentation, kojic acid is more effective because it targets those areas directly
J Biol Chem 281:1506415072 Divakaruni AS, Wallace M, Buren C, Martyniuk K, Andreyev AY, Li E, Fields JA, Cordes T, Reynolds IJ, Bloodgood BL, Raymond LA, Metallo CM, Murphy AN (2017) Inhibition of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier protects from excitotoxic neuronal death
Understanding the distinction is what separates a well-designed protocol from a misdirected one