Of all the innovations that have landed from South Korea, multifunctional serums are up there with the best. Just a few drops of a single product can moisturise, reduce the appearance of blemishes, even skin tone and offer an all-over, radiant glow. Anua’s Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum is one such serum.
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With a highly concentrated formula made up of minimal but targeted actives, it can streamline your skincare routine to make it more low-maintenance. The serum has a lightweight, water-like consistency that spreads easily and absorbs into the skin instantly. There is no greasiness, simply hydrated, soft skin that can be layered up with other products in either the AM or PM.
But who exactly should be using it? The Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum is ideal for those with blemishes, post-acne marks or uneven skin tone. What makes it unique is its ability not only to even out and brighten the complexion, but also to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver deep moisturisation. Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone, dry, oily, combination or even sensitive skin, it’s the ideal serum for those seeking an effective yet gentle acne-fighting treatment.
- Why it’s -approved: This niacinamide serum doesn’t just stop excess sebum in its tracks – it mends wounds and targets dark marks, too. Bolstered by brightening ingredients, consistent use helps lift old acne scars and heal active breakouts. Thanks to the work of tranexamic acid – which sounds intense, but accelerates blood clotting on broken skin – it’s a great choice for strengthening an impaired skin barrier.
- Niacinamide strength: 10 per cent
- Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin
Each active ingredient has a specific function: niacinamide at an ideal concentration of 10 per cent improves texture, reduces dullness and minimises pores; tranexamic acid (or TXA, at 4 per cent) calms and prevents the formation of new spots; ceramides and hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, help keep the skin calm, supple and protected from external aggressors. A truly holistic formula designed to calm and replenish the skin.
Many Korean serums are highly effective, but there’s one particular aspect of this one that makes Anua’s innovation quite the marvel – the ability to make a visible, irritation-free difference even on the most sensitive skin. Uneven skin tone isn’t uncommon, but paired with a skin type that is prone to acne and irritation, solving the issue without destroying your skin barrier becomes slightly more complicated.
Gentle and brilliantly formulated, this serum delivers the ideal percentage of key actives without overwhelming the skin or causing redness and discomfort. Simply follow up with your favourite lightweight moisturiser and an SPF in the AM, and be on your merry way.
Why it’s -approved: Anua’s Gua Sha Cream has the trifecta of hyped skincare ingredients. Encapsulated retinol, collagen and peptides are combined to boost skin elasticity, hydrate and smooth, respectively, with a lightweight, non-greasy texture. It is important to note that collagen is a large molecule and so acts more as a topical, plumping moisturiser rather than encouraging its production. Retinol, on the other hand, has been shown in studies to stimulate skin cells to produce more collagen and is included to firm and minimise the appearance of fine lines. Designed to glide over the contours of the face, from the cheekbones to the jawline and down to the décolleté to counter turkey neck, the inclusion of a gua sha only enhances the treatment. The W-shaped design and cooling tip help to reduce puffiness, boost blood circulation and release muscle tension. There is also the added benefit that it enhances the absorption of the skincare ingredients, so they work synergistically with the formula itself.
- Key ingredients: rice water, niacinamide, ceramides
- Why we recommend it: Enriched with ceramides, this milky toner from Anua pairs the nourishing ingredient with rice bran water to maximise hydration and glow with every application. The brightening formula supports skin barrier health and balances sebum production thanks to the inclusion of niacinamide. The hydration boost is immediate, while the complexion gets increasingly radiant and clear with use.
- How to use: Use in the morning and night in the palm of your hands or on a cotton wool pad
- Why it’s -approved: The glow is immediate with the Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pad. Recommended to me by a beauty expert with a radiant complexion, these pads have been a fixture in my routine ever since to recreate that same level of luminosity. They are pre-soaked, and emphasis on the word soaked, with a hydrating combination of hyaluronic acid and peptides as well as PDRN, an emerging ingredient derived from salmon DNA and becoming more ubiquitous on UK beauty shelves thanks to Korean imports. Skin looks plump and smooth after just 10 minutes of application. The rounded pads are small, so you can wipe across the face or leave the treatment in situ under the eye or in areas of concern. As previously mentioned, they are absolutely coated in the formula, which leaves enough to layer over the neck, décolletage and even the arms.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid
- Application time: five to 10 minutes
Why it’s -approved: This SPF was recommended to me by make-up artist and Vieve founder Jamie Genevieve, who praised the formula for being “super lightweight and leaves no white cast,” which she describes as “the perfect makeup base.” It melts into the skin with, as mentioned, no white cast, leaving an airbrushed finish in its wake.