I have spent a significant portion of my adult life trying to erase the evidence of my teenage skin's bad decisions. You know the ones—the late-night picking sessions and the total lack of sunscreen while laying out in the backyard. So, when the ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum started taking over my feed with promises of Korean glass skin, I was skeptical. Usually, when something is that pretty and that viral, it is mostly marketing and vibes. But with 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid, the stats were actually hitting pretty hard for a serum that costs about the same as my weekend brunch order.
That Chic Little Bottle of Pink Magic
Opening this was a total sensory moment. The bottle is heavy glass, which always makes me feel like I have my life together, but the real star is the color. It is a soft, milky pink that looks like it belongs on a curated vanity next to a bouquet of peonies. Is it a necessity for the serum to be pink? Absolutely not. Does it make me happy every morning? You bet. The texture is a watery gel that feels substantial but not heavy. There is no scent, which is a massive win for those of us who do not want our faces smelling like a department store perfume counter. It feels cool the second it touches the skin, sinking in within about thirty seconds, though it does leave a very slight tacky finish that makes it a perfect primer for moisturizer.
The Fourteen Day Skin Clarity Test
I decided to put this to the test during a particularly annoying hormonal breakout cycle. I am talking about those red, angry spots that leave marks for months. I replaced my usual brightening serum with this for two weeks to see if it actually lived up to the hype of being a dark spot corrector. I used it every morning after my toner and before my SPF, and here is how it actually performed in the real world:
- Hydration Levels: The inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid is no joke; my skin felt bouncy and plump even on days when the office AC was blasting at full speed.
- Redness Reduction: By day four, the angry red halo around my chin breakouts had calmed down significantly.
- Texture and Pores: This is where the 10% Niacinamide really earns its keep. My pores looked noticeably less like craters and more like, well, skin.
- Layering: It did not pill under my makeup or my sunscreen, which is my number one dealbreaker for any daytime serum.
The Final Verdict
After a full two weeks, I can honestly say this is not just TikTok fluff. The ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum is a heavy hitter for anyone dealing with uneven tone or those lingering red marks from past breakouts. It is gentle enough that I did not experience any of the stinging I sometimes get with high-strength brightening products, yet it is effective enough that I actually saw a difference in my complexion. For $21.87, it feels like I am getting a high-end clinical treatment for a drugstore price point. If you want that clear, reflective glow without a twelve-step routine, this is a very strong contender for your top shelf.
Who Should Buy This:
- Anyone struggling with post-acne marks or sun damage who wants a gentle solution.
- People with enlarged pores who want a smoother, more refined skin texture.
- K-beauty enthusiasts looking for an affordable way to achieve the glass skin look.
Who Should Skip This:
- People with a known sensitivity to high percentages of Niacinamide, as 10% can be spicy for very reactive skin.
- Those who prefer a completely matte finish, as this does leave a healthy, dewy glow behind.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Lauren