Pigment and Beyond: 5% Tranaxamic Acid, 10% Niacinamide, 2% Acetyl Glucosamine, 2% Arbutin + Hydrating + Calming + Barrier Support
A Medical-Grade Brightening Serum for intensive brightening without an intense feel. This is Advanced Brightening built with a "Beyond Pigment" and Barrier First philosophy. Not only formulated to reduce the look of uneven tone and discoloration... it goes further — supporting balance, hydration, the skin barrier, and overall skin resilience.
Non-comedogenic, Acne Safe + Fungal Acne Safe ingredients, Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-Free. Exfoliant-Free.
Brightening, Pigment & Tone Correcting is a core part of a professional skincare line. This serum uses 4 clinical brighteners delivered in a calming and hydrating formulation. Advanced Pigment & Tone Care with a strong multi-brightener foundation – combined with botanical Hydration and Barrier Support.
This professional formula combines multiple brightening actives: 5% Tranexamic Acid, 10% Niacinamide, 2% N-Acetyl Glucosamine, and 2% Alpha-Arbutin to target multiple pathways associated with the appearance of stubborn discoloration and uneven tone.
Equally important is the complementary barrier, hydration, and resilience system of Ectoin, Saccharide Isomerate (72 hr hydration), Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Cica, and Green Tea. These help maintain hydration and support skin exposed to daily environmental and oxidative stress. They help replenish and support the skin's moisture barrier, making the formula more comfortable for regular use.
Keep in mind that inflammation and irritation are factors that tend to contribute to or exacerbate pigmentation. So brightening products in general benefit from ingredients that promote calmness and hydration and are meant to not irritate.
Help clients address the look of pigmentation and tone while keeping skin hydrated and not dried out. The emphasis and philosophy makes the formula more supportive than a typical high-strength brightening serum.
It goes beyond — to combine visible pigment management with barrier support, hydration, antioxidant defense, and skin resilience in one formula — helping skin professionals work with their patients/clients to address discoloration while maintaining the condition and comfort of the skin.
Pairing 5% Tranexamic Acid with 10% Niacinamide is increasingly recognized as a top duo in aesthetic dermatology for addressing the look of hyperpigmentation and uneven tone.
It is recommended for the appearance of excess pigmentation, uneven skintone, dull skin, dark spots, and brighter, more even complexion. This includes the look of melasma, sun spots, and PIH post-acne marks.
The formula is especially appropriate for practices that want a more sophisticated alternative to aggressive pigment-focused treatments. The goal is to not only address the look of discoloration and uneven complexion — but to help skin feel hydrated, comfortable, and resilient while doing that.
The result is a sophisticated serum that pairs intensive pigment care with barrier-supportive hydration — helping skin look clearer, more even, and more resilient over time. A supportive barrier-care combination designed to help soothe, hydrate, and maintain skin comfort.
It is particularly well suited for aesthetic dermatology, med spa retail, esthetician at-home protocols, acne-focused practices, and holistic skincare practices where pigment management and long-term skin health are addressed together.
Multi-Brighteners + Balance
- Tranexamic Acid: 5%
- Niacinamide: 10%
- N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG): 2%
- Alpha Arbutin: 2%
Hydration + Resillence
- Saccharide Isomerate
- Ectoin
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
- Betaine
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Polyglutamic Acid
- NAG N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Calming & Barrier Support
- Ectoin
- Beta-Glucan
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
- Panthenol
- Centella Asiatica (Cica / Gotu Kola / Indian Pennywort)
- Ceramide NP
For professional skincare clients experiencing:
- Uneven skin tone
- Visible discoloration
- Post-inflammatory marks
- Dull skin
- Skin that benefits from a barrier-supportive pigment regiment
- Post-blemish marks, sun spots, melasma, or general dullness
- Skin that does not want to use Vitamin C or acids
- For those who don't want to use an exfoliant to brighten.
- HydraBalance
FAQ
Why are Hydration and Barrier Support important in a Brightening + Pigment + Even Tone formula?
Because they help improve tolerability, so the formula feels good when using it. This helps clients be able to use the serum consistently, which is key for results.
10% Niacinamide + 5% Tranexamic acid + 2% Arbutin + 2% NAG is a highly active formula. All the additional ingredients we include for hydration and barrier support improve skin tolerance. Better skin tolerance can lead to better real-world brightening because clients can apply the serum consistently.
Avoiding skin irritation and inflammation (along with wearing sunscreen) can help prevent dark spots and pigmentation.
The formula is built to protect the barrier while the actives work. Ceramide NP, Beta- Glucan, and Squalane support the barrier. Ectoin helps buffer against environmental stress. Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Saccharide Isomerate hydrate. Beta-Glucan, Cica Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, and soothing Licorice-concentrate Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, and Niacinamide calm and reduce the look of redness.
Is Tranexamic Acid an acid? Is it an exfoliant?
No and No. Tranexamic Acid does not act as an exfoliant or harsh "acid" in skin care. It is not an AHA or a BHA. Tranexamic acid is a derivative of the Amino Acid Lysine. It does not exfoliate. It is not a chemical "peel” and it is not a resurfacing ingredient.
This means it can be gentler on skin (but still patch test and begin gradually, as with any new ingredient).
Can Tranexamic Acid and Vitamin C be used in the same routine?
Yes - but we suggest not layering them together, especially at first. The rationale is to help avoid overwhelming the skin with too many potent actives. Try using one in the AM and the other at night. For example, use Vitamin C in the AM and Tranexamic Acid at night.
Keeping skin calm, avoiding irritation, and wearing sunscreen are important to help reduce the appearance of new hyperpigmentation.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Multiple brightening ingredients are used together to boost brightening and target pigment from different angles.
Tranexamic Acid (5%)
Helps address the appearance of stubborn discoloration and uneven pigmentation.
It helps address the appearance of:
- Stubborn discoloration and uneven pigmentation.
- Dark spots and uneven tone.
- Calms.
- Viewed as comparable to Hydroquinone in effectiveness, but gentler, less irritating and more skin friendly.
- Research indicates Tranexamic Acid can also help improve the skin barrier and moisture retention.
- Unlike exfoliating acids, it does not peel the skin.
Niacinamide (10%)
A well-established multi-functional ingredient that helps even skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots and reduce the look of redness. Helps improve the appearance discoloration, enlarged-looking pores, balance oil, and support the skin barrier.
Vitamin B3 Niacinamide is not only brightening, it promotes skin resilience and radiance. It supports the skin barrier and helps the skin's ability to retain moisture. It also provides calming and antioxidant support.
- Promotes radiance
- Balance oil
- Support the skin barrier
- Improve uneven tone
- Reduce appearance of enlarged pores
- Helps calm
Acetyl Glucosamine (2%)
An amino sugar also known as N-Acetyl Glucosamine or NAG. It supports a more even-looking complexion and works synergistically to boost the effectiveness of Niacinamide in pigment-focused skincare.
It's a researched backed ingredient with clinical evidence for improving uneven tone and the look of pigmentation. It is one of the best partners for working in synergy with Niacinamide, as better results can be seen when they are used together. Acetyl Glucosamine + Niacinamide is a particularly well-studied combination for addressing the look of visible hyperpigmentation.
- Helps the look of pigmentation
- Supports barrier function
- Increases skin comfort
- Improve hydration and reduce potential dry feel from 10% Niacianmide
- Works especially well in brightening systems
- All while being gentle, supporting the skin barrier, promoting natural collagen, and promoting natural Hyaluronic Acid.
Arbutin (2%)
Alpha-Arbutin helps improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and discoloration gradually over time. This ingredient is considered a respected tyrosinase inhibitor, targeting pathways involved in visible melanin production. Alpha-Arbutin is considered more effective than Beta-Arbutin.
Ectoin - help support hydration and skin resilience against environmental stress. Ectoin is known for barrier protection, calming, helping reduce irritation from strong actives, improving hydration and skin resilience, and defending against environmental stressors.
This ingredient is valued for its cellular stress protection. Helps protect cells and cellular structures from environmental stress and supports hydration.
Saccharide Isomerate: a long-lasting humectant that helps bind moisture to the skin and supports a comfortable, hydrated feel.
This ingredient is known for 72-hour hydration, improving skin comfort and reducing Transepidermal Water Loss TEWL.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate: A purified concentration of the most soothing and calming components of Licorice. It helps:
- Reduce the appearance of skin redness
- Calming
- Support the skin barrier
- Reduce irritation
- Soothe
Beta Glucan: barrier support, soothing, calming, reduces look of redness, hydrating, helps skin tolerate actives better.
Panthenol: Pro-Vitamin B5 is a classic, established ingredient to hydrate, calm, and support the skin barrier.
Ceramide NP - formerly known as Ceramide 3, it's a skin lipid with normal fatty acid (N) and phytosphingosine base (P). It helps strengthen the skin barrier and calm.
Squalane and Ceramide NP contribute barrier-lipid support, lightweight emollience, and help reduce the dry, stripped sensation that can occur with aggressive pigment routines.
HemiSqualane helps give the formula a light sensory feel.
Centella Asiatica and Green Tea: Botanical extracts selected for their antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. Centella Asiatica is also known as Cica, Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort and Tiger Grass.
HOW TO USE
Directions: Apply to cleansed skin. Avoid contact with eyes. Follow with additional products in routine. Wear sunscreen when using any brightening product, as sunscreen helps maintain results.
Brightening products should be used consistently over time. Depending on sensitivity and experience with 10% Niacinamide or Tranexamic Acid, the client may need to start slowly. If not sure, recommend starting gradually (a couple times a week or every other day) and building up tolerance.
Scent: fragrance-free
Feel: light fluid serum
Skin types: All skin types
Time of day: Anytime (AM/PM/Both)
FULL INGREDIENT LIST
See main images above
VEGAN - CRUELTY FREE - CLINICAL - CLEAN
Vegan. Cruelty Free. Clinical. Clean*
Formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, mineral oils, drying alcohols, formaldehyde, artificial fragrance or dyes, silicones, and more. We aim for an EWG score of 1.
