Tranexamic 3% Face Serum

Salicylic Acid — A beta-hydroxy acid that dissolves oil and dead skin inside the pore, so it's the go-to for blackheads, congestion and oily-skin breakouts. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. OTC cap 2%. Give it 8–12 weeks for congestion & blackheads. Best for Oily, Combination. An oil-soluble exfoliant — brilliant on oily, congested skin. On dry or reactive skin it can strip and sting, so ease in slowly.

Niacinamide — Vitamin B3 — a broadly-tolerated all-rounder that strengthens the skin barrier, evens tone and helps regulate oil. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 10%. Give it 8–12 weeks for tone. Suits all skin types. One of the best-tolerated actives there is — fine for every skin type, and especially handy for oil and uneven tone.

Sodium Hyaluronate — A humectant that holds water in the upper skin — pure hydration, tolerated by essentially everyone, at any concentration. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works Ongoing while you use it; no weeks-long build-up to wait for. Suits all skin types. Pure hydration — suits everyone, and dry or dehydrated skin most of all. Apply on damp skin and seal it in.

Alpha-Arbutin — A gentle, stable brightener that fades dark spots by slowing melanin production — a milder route to even tone than acids. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. OTC cap 2%. Give it 8–12 weeks for dark spots. Suits all skin types. A gentle, stable brightener that fades dark spots without the sting of acids — fine for every skin type.

Tranexamic Acid — A newer brightener with good evidence on melasma and post-acne marks — it calms the signalling that tells pigment cells to overproduce, and is gentler than acids. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~2%. OTC cap 5%. Suits all skin types. One of the gentler routes to fading melasma and post-acne marks — well tolerated across skin types.

Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris ›

Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review ›

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of topical pharmacological, oral pharmacological, physical and combined treatments for acne vulgaris ›