Black Rice & 10% Niacinamide-TXA Night Clarity Jelly Serum

Niacinamide — Vitamin B3 — a broadly-tolerated all-rounder that strengthens the skin barrier, evens tone and helps regulate oil. The label states 10%. 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.

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.

Betaine — A sugar-beet humectant — steady, gentle hydration for any skin. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 5%. Best for .

Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence ›

Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology ›

Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation ›