Topicals Faded Serum for skin with dark spots
Tranexamic Acid
Niacinamide
Azelaic Acid
Alpha-Arbutin
Kojic Acid DipalmitateHigh
- SuperiorNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for skin with dark spots; a few serums fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. 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 excellent brightening and evening of skin tone for your normal skin due to high concentrations of tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, and azelaic acid, which effectively target hyperpigmentation by regulating melanogenesis.
- Niacinamide and licorice root extract further support barrier repair and provide soothing benefits, enhancing the overall efficacy for your pigmentation concerns.
- The formulation is safe for your normal skin, as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients and poses no risk of irritation.
How to apply
- Apply this serum as part of your PM routine starting 3x/week and build up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute for it to absorb.
- Apply the serum on dry skin to help fade pigmentation effectively.
- Avoid the eye area and always use SPF 30+ during the day.
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 3.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is widely praised as a "holy grail" for fading stubborn hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, and melasma, with users reporting brighter and more even skin tone after consistent use. While highly effective for discoloration, the original formula is infamous for its strong sulfur-like scent, though a newer unscented version has mitigated this concern for many.
Highlights
Fades dark spots Mostly Mentioned
- “Cleared my post-acne marks in weeks”
- “Faded dark spots I've had for years”
- “Best product for hyperpigmentation I've tried”
- “Noticeable difference on my melasma”
Unpleasant smell Mostly Mentioned
- “Smells like rotten eggs”
- “The scent is unbearable”
- “Smells like a perm”
- “Has a strong sulfur funk”
Brightens skin tone Often Mentioned
- “My skin looks so much brighter”
- “Gave me a nice glow”
- “Evened out my skin tone completely”
- “My face looks less dull”
Poor packaging Often Mentioned
- “Tube cracked on the side”
- “Product oozes out when opened”
- “Cap broke easily”
- “Messy packaging wastes product”
Creamy texture Sometimes Noted
- “Feels like a light lotion”
- “Very moisturizing”
- “Doesn't dry me out”
- “Nice creamy consistency”
Effective ingredient blend Sometimes Noted
- “Love the ingredient list”
- “Great mix of actives”
- “Contains everything needed for discoloration”
- “Better than buying separate serums”
Causes breakouts Sometimes Noted
- “Broke me out in tiny bumps”
- “Caused cystic acne”
- “Too heavy for my oily skin”
- “Triggered a bad breakout”
Sticky finish Rarely Noted
- “Leaves a sticky residue”
- “Feels heavy on the skin”
- “Pills under my sunscreen”
- “Too tacky for daytime use”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, amazon.com, reddit.com, purewow.com, nbcnews.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Topicals Faded a great fit for skin with dark spots?
Topicals Faded is a great fit for skin with dark spots because it features high concentrations of tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, and azelaic acid that effectively target dark spots and even out your skin tone. Niacinamide and licorice root extract further help calm the skin and support its barrier.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for skin with dark spots?
This serum is a great fit for skin with dark spots because it uses tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, and azelaic acid to effectively brighten your skin and even out your tone. Niacinamide and licorice root extract are also included to help calm your skin and support your moisture barrier while fading dark spots.
What does Tranexamic Acid do for skin with dark spots?
Tranexamic acid helps fade dark spots and uneven patches by slowing down the signals that trigger excess pigment in the skin. Studies show that using it regularly can significantly improve skin tone with a low risk of side effects.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2016Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019
What does Niacinamide do for skin with dark spots?
Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation by slowing down the transfer of pigment in the skin. It is generally well tolerated and may improve overall skin brightness with consistent use.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?
This treatment serum goes in your evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Putting treatments in the PM helps avoid extra safety risks around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying them on alternate nights or using retinol in your nighttime routine and this treatment at a different time, as combining strong active ingredients may increase the likelihood of skin irritation. Introducing them slowly helps your skin adjust safely without redness or flaking.
How often should I use this serum?
Use this treatment in your evening routine, starting once a week and slowly using it more often if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results. This helps you safely target dark spots while keeping your skin calm.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?
This serum may cause breakouts for some users, as reviewers note this reaction as a moderate complaint. However, it is unlikely to irritate normal skin since it lacks harsh ingredients and relies on soothing elements like niacinamide and licorice root extract.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Behenyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.
What the research says
Encapsulation 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, 2023Niacinamide 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, 2002Topical 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, 2005Topical 2% niacinamide significantly decreased sebum excretion rate in Japanese individuals and casual sebum levels in Caucasian individuals compared to placebo or baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Azelaic 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, 2021Application 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, 2023A 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, 2020Combining 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, 2025Polyvinyl pyrrolidone-K90/Eudragit RL100 dissolving microneedle patches loaded with alpha-arbutin and resveratrol enhanced intradermal delivery by approximately 2.6 times compared to cream and slightly decreased the melanin index in human participants without causing skin irritation.
Biomaterials Science, 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, 2013
Ingredients
Water, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Tranexamic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Alpha-Arbutin, Behenyl Alcohol, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Glutathione, Curcuma Longa Butter, Ethylene Brassylate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Azelaic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Melatonin, Phytic Acid, Squalane, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Arginine, Lecithin, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol
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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