The list of reasons why dark spots may start popping up on your skin is pretty long, ranging from sun damage to post-acne scars to hormone fluctuations and more. Whatever the cause, Topicals Faded Serum promises to gently fade the look of your most stubborn marks, scars, and spots. Topicals Faded Serum is also said to balance skin tone, smooth out rough and textured skin, and revive tired skin. 

But can Topicals Faded Serum really provide all of these benefits? To answer that question, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare.

We’ll also share some Topicals Fade Serum reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.

Is Topicals Skincare Worth The Money?

A common question about this brand is if the products are worth the cost.

In our opinion, Topicals products are worth the money, but there are other brands that deliver greater value.

One brand is Carrot & Stick, a clean skincare brand that perfectly balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.

Carrot & Stick intro bundles deliver great value for money because you can bundle 3 full-size products worth up to $240 for $88.

Is Topicals Faded Serum Right For You?

Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Topicals Faded Serum is right for you.

• Key ingredients? Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Licorice, Turmeric 
• Skin type? All skin types, ideal for those with hyperpigmentation
• Texture? Creamy serum
• Fragrance? No
• Cruelty free? Yes
• Cost? $36 USD for 1.7 oz

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2023?

What Are The Key Ingredients in Topicals Faded Serum?

In order to determine how well Topicals Faded Serum performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.

Niacinamide

One reason that Topicals Faded Serum can provide so many benefits is thanks to niacinamide. 

Scientifically speaking, niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin). It plays an important role in cellular metabolism, and it’s a potent antioxidant. 

But let’s talk about the benefits you can expect from niacinamide because there’s a lot!

According to a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling.

Let’s dive a little deeper into how this ingredient helps to fade dark spots. According to a publication in the British Journal of Dermatology, niacinamide can reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. In simpler terms, this means that melanin (pigment) won’t be transferred to skin cells called keratinocytes. The result is fewer dark spots. 

An added bonus is that niacinamide helps to reduce and prevent acne because of its antimicrobial and sebostatic effects, meaning it can help protect against the bacteria that cause acne while also helping to reduce oil production. 

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic analog of the amino acid lysine that functions as a skin-lightening ingredient. 

It’s believed to work by inhibiting plasmin, which means that it helps to break down proteins in the skin that contribute to melanin production.

Research has demonstrated that tranexamic acid at a concentration of 3% can work as well as hydroquinone, the gold standard of skin-lightening treatments. 

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

Centella asiatica, also known by common names like tiger grass and cica, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine, although it’s only recently risen in popularity in Western skin care products. And that’s a good thing because it provides numerous benefits to the skin!

According to a publication in the journal  Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, the most important compounds in tiger grass are asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, due to their pharmacological activity as pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins. 

Due to these components, Centella Asiatica extract possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm and repair skin.

Furthermore, several scientific reports have shown that these compounds can increase the amount of collagen in skin.

For example, a 2006 study published in Planta Medica discovered that asiaticoside induces human collagen I synthesis through TGFbeta receptor I kinase (TbetaRI kinase)-independent Smad signaling.

Collagen is the main structural protein found abundantly in the skin’s extracellular space, as well as many other parts of the body. It is what gives our skin strength and firmness. 

Ultimately, this means that the Centella Asiatica extract in Topicals Faded Serum should help to promote a more firm, youthful appearance. 

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is another multi-tasking ingredient found in the Topicals Faded Serum formula. It’s a potent antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor.

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin, the pigment that gives skin color. Therefore, by inhibiting tyrosinase, azelaic acid is able to reduce abnormal pigmentation associated with aging and exposure to UV light.

Azelaic acid also helps to reduce and prevent acne by normalizing the shedding of dead skin cells and preventing the growth of acne bacteria. 

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is extracted from various species of mushrooms and is also a byproduct in the fermentation process of rice. It’s included in Topicals Faded Serum because it helps to brighten the skin and fade dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase. 

Alpha-Arbutin 

Another tyrosinase inhibitor in Topicals Faded Serum is alpha arbutin. Alpha arbutin has been extensively studied and is proven to work effectively on all skin types.

Licorice Root

Licorice root extract is used in Topicals Faded Serum because it is one of the best naturally-derived ingredients for hyperpigmentation. The active components in licorice extract are glabridin and glycyrrhiza glabra.

Glabridin works by inhibiting the production of melanin. After repeated application, the outer layer of the darker skin is replaced by lighter skin.

Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, therefore, it can soothe the skin and provide protection against environmental free radicals.

According to a publication in theJournal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, “Licorice extract improves hyperpigmentation by dispersing the melanin, inhibition of melanin biosynthesis, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity thereby decreasing free radical production.”

Turmeric Root

Turmeric contains a bioactive component called curcumin, a polyphenol that gives turmeric its bright yellow color. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and also has the ability to fade dark spots by inhibiting melanogenesis (the process by which melanin is produced by melanocytes). 

Related: Best Dark Spot Correctors

How to Use Topicals Faded Serum?

After cleansing, apply a thin, even layer of Topicals Faded Serum to dry skin before applying your moisturizer. Gently massage into skin until serum has been absorbed. Use one time per week to start and work your way up to daily use. Use sun protection during the day, and moisturize well when using.

Where to Buy Topicals Faded Serum?

Topicals Faded Serum and other Topicals skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as on Sephora.com.

How Much is Topicals Faded Serum?

Topicals Faded Serum costs $36 USD for 1.7 oz. 

What is The Topicals Return Policy?

The Topicals return policy states, “We have a 45-day return policy to ensure you love Topicals products. If you don’t, no hard feelings. Please send us your order number and email, and we will process your return for a full refund. We’re super mindful of the impact shipping has on the environment so we’d rather you gift a Topicals’ product you don’t like to a friend or a homeless shelter. Sometimes a product doesn’t work for you, but works for others.”

Is Topicals Cruelty Free?

Yes, Topicals is cruelty free. 

Is Topicals Faded Serum Vegan?

Yes, Topicals Faded Serum and all Topicals skin care products are vegan. 

Topicals Faded Serum Reviews

Topicals Faded Serum reviews on the brand’s website are mostly very positive, with the product receiving an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars after nearly 200 customer reviews. 

There are many 5-star reviews for Topicals Faded Serum from customers who confirm that it really does help to reduce hyperpigmentation. 

For example, one review says, “Best cream for hyperpigmentation 1 month of consistent use and I have seen dramatic change. I would recommend it.”

And another 5-star review says, “I’m at the 8 week point and there is a very noticeable difference in my epidermal melasma! The pigment is much lighter and is fading. I can’t wait to see the 12-24 week results! Be patient because although I did see a difference in the first two weeks of use, it wasn’t until now (2 months in) that I realized how well this is truly working. Melasma is so stubborn.”

However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Topicals Faded Serum from customers who either broke out from the product or who didn’t see the results they were hoping for — or both. 

For example, one review says, “It didn’t work for me at all. I hate that it takes so long to spread on your skin like it’s not absorbing and when it does finally rub in, it’s very sticky and just sits on top. After it dries down, I usually go in with moisturizer and/serum but it breaks apart/pills which tells me this doesn’t work well with oil. And because of all this, it actually made me break out more.”

And another 1-star review says, “I wanted to love this so bad but it broke me out like crazy. Not the best for sensitive skin!”

Our Verdict

Overall, we think that Topicals Faded Serum is formulated well with evidence-based ingredients, but keep in mind that it’s possible to experience a purge when you first start using this serum.

Pros

• Formulation contains many evidence-based ingredients (Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Licorice, Turmeric)
• Many positive Topicals Faded Serum reviews
• Topicals is cruelty free

Cons

• It’s possible to experience a purge when you first start using this serum

What Are Some Alternatives to Topicals Faded Serum?

If you’re looking for skincare products to address uneven skin tone, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.

References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
​​Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Feb; 30(1): 46–49.
J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 4–11
Br J Dermatol 2002 Jul;147(1):20-31.
J Res Med Sci. 2014 Aug; 19(8): 753–757.