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Product photo: anua.us (official brand store). The pack size shown may differ from the Korean 30ml × 2.
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
A dark-spot serum with 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid, backed up by two forms of arbutin, a vitamin C derivative and a little betaine salicylate.
Buyer verdictOne of the strongest over-the-counter brightening serums at this price, and a good pick for post-acne marks and sun spots. 10% niacinamide can tingle on sensitive skin, so build up slowly. Olive Young's twin pack makes Seoul much cheaper per bottle than Amazon.
- Key ingredient
- Niacinamide (10%), Tranexamic acid (4%)
- Texture
- Light, slightly slippery serum that absorbs quickly
- Routine step
- serum · AM & PM
- Korean pack
- 30ml × 2
Overview
Key ingredients
- Niacinamide (10%) Vitamin B3; fades marks, evens tone and helps control oil
- Tranexamic acid (4%) Targets the triggers behind stubborn dark spots and melasma-type patches
- Arbutin and alpha-arbutin Extra brightening that slows pigment production
- 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid A stable vitamin C derivative, in a small amount
- Betaine salicylate A mild BHA-type ingredient for clogged pores
From the US, it's 58% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 65% cheaper in Seoul.
What it is
This is Anua’s serum for marks and uneven tone, sold in Korea as the TXA niacin “mark” serum. It comes in a 30ml dropper bottle, and its appeal is that it puts two well-studied brighteners at strengths that are clearly stated on the label: niacinamide at 10% and tranexamic acid (TXA) at 4%.
The Korean ingredient list backs these up with arbutin and alpha-arbutin, a small amount of 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (a stable vitamin C derivative) and betaine salicylate. Further down there are hydrating and calming extras: several forms of hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramide NP and centella compounds (madecassic acid, asiatic acid and asiaticoside).
Korea registers it as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You have red or brown marks left after breakouts
- You have sun spots or patchy discolouration and want a strong, affordable serum
- Your skin is oily or combination and handles active ingredients well
Skip it if
- Your skin flushes or stings with niacinamide; try a gentler arbutin serum first
- You want hydration first; this is a treatment step, not a moisturiser
- You won’t wear sunscreen daily, because no brightening serum works without it
What the ingredients do
Niacinamide reduces how much pigment moves from pigment cells into the surface of the skin. Over weeks, marks look lighter and tone looks more even. It also calms redness and helps regulate oil, which is why it suits acne-prone skin. Most research uses 2% to 5%. At 10%, results don’t necessarily double, but some people notice a faster effect, and others notice irritation.
Tranexamic acid works further upstream. It calms the inflammatory and hormonal signals that tell skin to make extra pigment. That’s why it’s popular for marks that keep coming back and for melasma-type patches. Topical TXA is generally gentle.
Arbutin and alpha-arbutin slow tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces pigment. The vitamin C derivative adds a little extra brightening. Betaine salicylate helps keep pores clear without acting as a strong exfoliant.
How to use it
After cleansing and toner, apply 2 to 3 drops to the whole face, or put a little extra on marks. Follow with moisturiser. In the morning, finish with sunscreen; this matters more than the serum itself for keeping new marks from forming.
If you’re new to high-strength niacinamide, start at night only. If your skin feels warm or tingly, use it every other day for a couple of weeks.
How it compares
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum is the gentler choice, with 2% alpha-arbutin and no TXA. Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is a mid-strength option that also leaves a glow. SKIN1004 Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule suits sensitive skin that wants brightening with a centella base.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes, it’s one of the bigger wins. Olive Young currently sells it as an exclusive twin pack of two 30ml bottles, while Amazon US and UK sell single 30ml bottles. Our price box compares per ml, and per bottle the Seoul price works out far lower.
The twin pack clears the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum on its own. One bottle is plenty for six to eight weeks of daily use, so the second makes a good gift, or a reason not to run out halfway through.
FAQ
Can 10% niacinamide irritate?
It can. Some people get redness, tingling or a flushed feeling at high strengths. Start once a day, every other day if needed, and build up over two weeks.
What does tranexamic acid do?
It's a newer brightening ingredient that calms the signals telling skin to make extra pigment. It's popular for marks that keep coming back, including melasma-type patches. It's generally well tolerated.
Can I use it with vitamin C or retinol?
Yes. If your skin is reactive, use vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night, or alternate it with retinol on different nights.
Does it contain fragrance?
No fragrance or essential oils are listed on the Korean label.
What's it called in Korea?
아누아 TXA 나이아신 흔적 세럼, roughly 'TXA niacin mark serum'. Look for the 10% and 4% on the bottle.
