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Product photo: skin1004.com (official brand store). The pack size shown may differ from the Korean 100ml.
Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
SKIN1004's brightening ampoule: niacinamide, tranexamic acid and a vitamin C derivative in a centella base, with tiny capsules that burst as you spread it. Fragrance-free.
Buyer verdictA gentle, well-built brightening serum for dullness and dark marks, combining three tone actives without acids. Seoul is clearly cheaper than Amazon US for the same 100ml bottle, and closer to the UK price.
- Key ingredient
- Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid
- Texture
- Light gel serum with tiny capsules that dissolve when spread
- Routine step
- serum · AM & PM
- Korean pack
- 100ml
Overview
Key ingredients
- Niacinamide Third ingredient; brightening and barrier support
- Tranexamic acid Fifth ingredient; helps fade stubborn dark marks
- 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid A stable vitamin C derivative, in a small amount
- Centella asiatica extract (7,949 ppm) and madecassoside SKIN1004's calming signature
- Corn starch, cellulose and mannitol Form the soft capsules that melt into the serum
From the US, it's 31% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 12% cheaper in Seoul.
What it is
This is the brightening member of SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella line. It’s a light gel serum dotted with tiny capsules that melt as you spread it. Olive Young sells it in a 50ml and a 100ml bottle. Korea registers it as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
The Korean ingredient list is well focused. Niacinamide comes third, after water and butylene glycol, followed by glycerin and tranexamic acid. Next are betaine and centella extract, listed at 7,949 ppm (about 0.8%). The capsules come from corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose and mannitol. Further down are panthenol, madecassoside and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a stable form of vitamin C.
There’s no fragrance and no essential oil.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You have dark marks after breakouts, sun spots or an uneven tone
- Your skin is sensitive and doesn’t tolerate acids or strong vitamin C
- You want one serum that brightens and calms at the same time
Skip it if
- You want a high-strength vitamin C serum; the derivative here is a small amount
- You prefer completely smooth textures and dislike capsules
- You already use a niacinamide and tranexamic acid serum
What the ingredients do
Niacinamide and tranexamic acid are a well-matched pair. Niacinamide reduces the transfer of pigment to the skin’s surface, and tranexamic acid calms the signals that trigger extra pigment, especially after inflammation. Together they fade marks gradually over weeks.
3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is a vitamin C derivative that’s more stable than pure vitamin C, and gentler. It’s a small supporting extra here.
The centella extract and madecassoside help keep the formula soothing, which suits redness-prone skin. Panthenol and betaine add hydration.
How to use it
SKIN1004’s direction is simple: take a suitable amount with the dropper and spread it gently. Use it after toner and before moisturiser, morning and night. Spread it rather than rubbing hard, so the capsules dissolve evenly.
Daily sunscreen is essential with any brightening serum. Without it, new sun exposure keeps darkening the marks you’re trying to fade.
How it compares
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% uses the same two actives at stated strengths and is the stronger pick. AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is a glowier niacinamide serum without tranexamic acid. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum relies on alpha-arbutin instead.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes, if you compare with the US. We compare Olive Young’s 100ml bottle with the 100ml bottle on Amazon US and UK. Seoul is clearly cheaper than Amazon US, and a little cheaper than Amazon UK. On sale, it clears the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum by itself.
The 100ml bottle is right at the carry-on limit, so it can go in a liquids bag. If you’d rather not, pack it in your checked suitcase.
FAQ
What are the capsules?
Small, soft beads made from corn starch, cellulose and mannitol. They break down as you spread the serum, so you don't feel grit on the skin.
Does it contain fragrance?
No. The Korean ingredient list has no fragrance or essential oils.
Is it strong enough for melasma?
It contains tranexamic acid and niacinamide, two ingredients often used for melasma, but at cosmetic strengths. It can help as part of a routine with daily sunscreen. Persistent melasma is worth seeing a dermatologist about.
Can I use it with retinol?
Usually yes. It has no exfoliating acids. Apply this serum first, then the retinol, and introduce one new product at a time.
