I was already a huge fan of Korean skincare, but recently, Cardi B convinced me that there’s one K-beauty brand, along with its viral formula, that’s an absolute must. According to her, Anua’s Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum ($17) is that girl when it comes to correcting dark spots. You may have seen this product making the rounds on TikTok, but now it has the Cardi B stamp of approval. It’s also worth noting that this serum along with the brand’s other products are on sale this week at Ulta for Black Friday—get it at a discount while you can.
Because of this, I knew I had to try it for myself. As a woman of color who struggles with hyperpigmentation almost constantly, I needed something exactly like this to help keep my skin tone even. If you also want to press the delete button on dark spots, keep reading. I’m sharing my thoughts on this serum below along with some other products from Anua that I now can’t live without.
ANUA
Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum
In a recent Instagram reel, she prefaced her love letter to this magic dark-spot corrector with, “These Koreans. I don’t know what’s better—their rice cakes, their K-pop, or their skincare. These people are just amazing.” She then went on to say that whenever she’s pregnant or dealing with post-breakout marks, this serum is her absolute savior. The superstar ingredients in this formula include 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid to essentially press the delete button on dark spots.
Korean skincare is already known for giving that “glass skin” effect, and boy, let me tell you: Using this serum takes it up a notch in a big way. It definitely delivers a glassy glow, but it almost reaches megawatt levels when you combine it with the brand’s other products. I used this serum for four days and already started to notice a huge improvement in this massive dark spot I had on my right cheek. I mostly struggle with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and if you do too, you know it can be frustrating if you don’t have the right tools. In addition to brightening dark spots on a dime, this serum feels really silky on the skin but absorbs so beautifully and keeps hydration on lock for long periods of time. I also have extremely sensitive, borderline reactive skin, but this formula doesn’t cause irritation or sensitivity whatsoever.
I used it in combination with a few of the brand’s other products that promise brightening, and color me impressed. I’ve always loved Korean skincare, but this is by far one of my favorite brands in that realm so far. A few more staples I tried and loved are below.
ANUA
8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser
It’s so hard for me to find a cleanser that works well for my skin. Cleansers with exfoliants are too harsh and drying on my barrier-damaged skin, but this one is perfect. It has a really unique texture and doesn’t lack in the foam department—a little goes a long way. So much so that I know the bottle is going to last me for months. It also features barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol—perfect for anyone dealing with a little damage to their moisture barrier.
ANUA
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
In the evening, I love to double-cleanse starting with this cleansing oil. The pump definitely dispenses too much if you aren’t careful, and it’s a good idea to use this sparingly. It gets a bit too oily if you go overboard. But with the right amount, it really decongests the skin while effortlessly removing sunscreen and makeup. I like to spend at least five minutes using this at night to really clean out my pores.
ANUA
Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel
Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra, I’ll do a triple-cleanse with this peeling gel. You massage it into the skin, and it gently rolls off any dead skin sitting on the surface. I alternate between this and the brand’s Heartleaf 77 Pads, and it works wonders.
ANUA
Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad
While I do like the peeling gel, these pads are my absolute favorites. It’s been hard for me to find an exfoliant my skin can tolerate using three to four times a week, but these pads are perfect. They’re so well-formulated and are amazing for super-sensitive skin. They caused no redness or stinging sensation for me while still exfoliating so well.
ANUA
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
This toner is packed with brightening rice bran water, which is the perfect complement to the brand’s 10 TXA Serum. I love how lightweight this milky toner is, but it doesn’t lack in the moisture department. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides to help restore the skin barrier.
ANUA
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
This serum is magic and a favorite from the brand. It features salmon-derived PDRN, an ingredient that’s all the rage in skincare right now. PDRN is known for its damage-repairing properties. Hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen also firm and plump the skin instantly. My face felt tighter and looked plumper after using this product for just a few days. It has fast become a staple in my routine. It also layers really well with other serums without causing greasiness.
ANUA
7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum
My skin barrier needs a little extra help right now, and this serum is the perfect item to give it. Similar to the Glow Milky Toner, this contains brightening rice bran water with other super hydrators like honey and ceramides. It has a thicker viscosity, but once you apply it to the skin it absorbs so nicely and sits perfectly under a moisturizer.
ANUA
Heartleaf 70 Daily Lotion
This moisturizer is *the* lotion for acne-prone skin. It’s so lightweight but instantly calms redness with the brand’s star ingredient heartleaf extract. It’s soothing and noncomedogenic but seals in moisture beautifully, keeping my skin hydrated all day long.