Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum for combination skin
Niacinamide
Tranexamic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Kojic Acid
Alpha ArbutinAverage
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate brightening and evening of skin tone for your combination skin, as niacinamide and tranexamic acid work to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Glycerin and squalane provide supportive hydration and soothing effects beneficial for oily shine.
- Azelaic acid and glycolic acid offer seboregulation and mild exfoliation, which are suitable for combination skin concerns.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing licorice root extract.
How to apply
- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 2.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users highly praise this serum for effectively fading hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dark spots, especially on melanated skin. While results are impressive, a significant number of reviews mention a strong, sulfur-like smell that users must tolerate. Some users also report an initial purging phase before experiencing clearer, brighter skin.
Highlights
Fades dark spots Mostly Mentioned
- “scars are noticeably lighter”
- “fades dark spots”
- “impressed with effectiveness”
- “minimized appearance of marks”
Unpleasant smell Mostly Mentioned
- “smells like sulfur”
- “rotten eggs”
- “smells like rust”
- “scent is off-putting”
Brightens skin Often Mentioned
- “skin looks clearer”
- “more radiant”
- “brightens your skin”
- “leaves a glow”
Absorbs well Sometimes Noted
- “lightweight texture”
- “absorbs quickly”
- “layers well under moisturizer”
- “non-greasy”
Improves texture Sometimes Noted
- “smooths skin texture”
- “skin feels calmer”
- “softens rough patches”
Safe for melanated skin Sometimes Noted
- “made with melanated skin in mind”
- “safe for all ethnicities”
- “works on darker skin tones”
Causes purging Sometimes Noted
- “face exploded with acne”
- “exacerbated comedones”
- “broke me out”
- “caused purging”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “tube cracks easily”
- “product spills out”
- “hate the metal tube”
- “leaks everywhere”
Potential irritation Rarely Noted
- “slightly irritating”
- “caused burning”
- “too strong for sensitive skin”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, amazon.com, mytopicals.com, skinsort.com, reddit.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Topicals Faded work for combination skin?
Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum works moderately well for combination skin by fading dark spots and providing supportive hydration that helps manage oily shine. This type of treatment needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and propolis or zinc PCA that regulate oiliness and provide optimal hydration without causing excess oiliness or dryness.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?
Niacinamide and tranexamic acid help fade dark spots on combination skin, while glycerin and squalane provide hydration and soothe oily shine. In addition, treatments of this type need effective ingredients like propolis or zinc PCA to regulate oiliness, enhance radiance, and balance the skin without causing excess oiliness or dryness.
What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
What does Tranexamic Acid do for combination skin?
Tranexamic acid helps fade dark spots and uneven areas across different parts of combination skin while improving overall brightness. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated and may help target unwanted pigment without causing widespread irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This serum goes in your evening routine after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Treatments with active ingredients are placed in the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this treatment alongside retinol, but apply retinol first and let it absorb before putting on this serum to help keep your skin calm. Combination skin works best with products that balance oil and moisture while gently exfoliating.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine once a week to start, as it contains acids that gently exfoliate the skin. People who tolerate this well and see good results may carefully use it more often.
Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum may cause skin purging when you first start using it due to ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid speeding up skin cell turnover. However, it is unlikely to permanently clog pores, and combination skin needs lightweight hydrators like glycerin and squalane along with gentle exfoliants to keep skin clear without feeling greasy.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Pharmaceutics, 2021
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Azelaic acid nanocrystal hydrogel 10% achieved a higher success rate and greater lesion reduction than azelaic acid cream 20% in patients with mild to moderate facial acne.
Pharmaceutics, 2021Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Application of 15% azelaic acid gel significantly reduced post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation, decreased hemoglobin and melanin content, improved quality of life, and contributed to acne improvement in patients with mild to moderate acne compared to placebo.
Dermatology and Therapy, 2024Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023Topical administration of 20% azelaic acid cream and 5% tranexamic acid solution comparably improved acne-related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with acne vulgaris, while tranexamic acid demonstrated a significantly better safety profile at week 4.
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2023A topical formulation containing kojic acid, emblica extract, and glycolic acid demonstrated efficacy parity compared with hydroquinone 4% in multiethnic participants with mild to moderate facial dyschromia.
Cutis, 2010A nanoemulsion containing 1 mg/mL kojic dipalmitate and 5% rosehip oil demonstrated high incorporation efficiency, suitable physicochemical stability, antioxidant and depigmenting efficacy close to 1 mM ascorbic acid, and no cytotoxicity at concentrations from 0.06% to 1% in vitro.
Pharmaceutics, 2023Topical application of iron chelators kojic acid and deferiprone significantly accelerated wound healing in rats compared to control groups, with deferiprone showing superior efficacy due to higher antioxidant and iron chelation abilities.
International Wound Journal, 2013A non-hydroquinone topical formulation (SKNB19) improved hyperpigmentation by 28.5% in patient self-assessment and 27% in independent reviewer assessment compared with 4% hydroquinone in 18 adult subjects, while showing significantly less irritation and better tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Encapsulation of alpha arbutin in an optimized ethosomal gel significantly improved skin melanin reduction, moisture content, and elasticity in human volunteers compared to conventional formulations.
Heliyon, 2023Combining a home-based radiofrequency device and arbutin cream reduced mMASI scores by 25.6% and melanin index by 22.8% at 8 weeks compared to baseline in 38 participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Ingredients
Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Licorice Root Extract, Melatonin, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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