Hyperpigmentation is a stubborn, annoying jerk. If you've ever dealt with the lingering shadows of a breakout—those flat, dark spots that refuse to leave long after the pimple is gone—you know the frustration. You’ve probably tried Vitamin C. Maybe you dabbled in Retinol. But then Topicals Faded brightening and clearing serum hit the scene in that iconic, toothpaste-looking tube, and suddenly everyone was talking about "sulfur" and "stink."
It’s potent.
Honestly, the first thing anyone notices about this stuff is the scent. It’s been described as everything from "burnt rubber" to "old eggs." That’s the reality of high-performance ingredients that haven't been masked by synthetic fragrances. Topicals made a conscious choice to skip the "spa scent" to keep the formula safe for sensitive skin, and honestly, once you see the results, you kind of stop caring about the smell.
What Is Actually Inside This Tube?
Most serums pick one lane. They focus on exfoliation or they focus on pigment inhibition. Topicals Faded brightening and clearing serum is different because it’s a kitchen-sink formula that targets the pigment cycle from three different angles.
Tranexamic Acid is the star here. It’s a powerhouse for slowing down the production of melanin. If your skin is overreacting to inflammation by pumping out too much pigment, Tranexamic Acid basically tells it to calm down. Then you’ve got Niacinamide, which most people know as the "everything" ingredient. In this specific formula, it works to strengthen the skin barrier so the more aggressive actives don't cause a flare-up.
It’s a delicate balance.
Azelaic Acid is the third pillar. It’s a dicarboxylic acid that gently exfoliates while being a total beast at killing the bacteria that cause the initial breakouts. By combining these, the serum doesn't just lighten what’s already there; it actively discourages new spots from taking root.
The Supporting Cast: Kojic Acid and Licorice Root
You also get Kojic Acid. This is a fungal-derived ingredient that’s basically a natural alternative to hydroquinone. It’s great for brightening, but it can be drying, which is why Topicals added Centella Asiatica (Cica). Cica is the soothing agent that prevents your face from feeling like a desert after application.
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Licorice root extract is also tucked in there. It contains liquiritin, which helps disperse existing melanin. Think of it like a broom sweeping away the dark clusters under the surface of your skin.
The Learning Curve: How to Use It Without Ruining Your Barrier
Don't go overboard. Seriously.
Because Topicals Faded brightening and clearing serum is so packed with actives, people often make the mistake of using it every single night right out of the gate. That is a one-way ticket to redness and peeling. You’ve got to ease into it. Start with once or twice a week.
Apply a thin layer. A pea-sized amount is plenty for your whole face. If you have specific spots you’re worried about, you can use it as a spot treatment, but it’s designed to be used all over to even out the overall tone.
Wait.
Give it about five to ten minutes to sink in before you put on your moisturizer. Because of its creamy, slightly tacky texture, it can "pill" if you rush your next step. If you're using it in the morning, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Using a brightening serum without SPF is like trying to dry off in a rainstorm; the UV rays will just trigger more melanin and undo all the work the serum is doing.
The Real Talk on Results
It’s not magic. It’s chemistry.
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You won't wake up the next morning with porcelain skin. In fact, for the first week, your skin might look slightly more "active" as the ingredients start turning over cells. Real, visible change in hyperpigmentation usually takes about six to eight weeks. That’s the time it takes for your skin cells to go through a full cycle.
I’ve seen people give up after two weeks because they don't see a difference. That’s a mistake. The dark spots didn't get there overnight, and they aren't going to leave that fast either.
Who Should Skip This?
If you have extremely reactive skin or an allergy to sulfur-like compounds, you might want to patch test this very carefully. While Topicals is "clean" and formulated for all skin tones—which is huge, because many brightening products historically haven't been safe for deeper skin tones—the sheer number of actives can be overwhelming for some.
Also, if you are currently using a high-strength prescription retinoid (like Tretinoin), be careful. Using both on the same night can be a lot for the skin barrier to handle. Try "skin cycling"—use your retinoid one night and Faded the next.
Breaking Down the Texture and Packaging
The tube is aluminum. This is great for keeping the ingredients stable because it prevents light and air from getting in. However, aluminum tubes can be finicky. If you squeeze it too hard from the middle, it’s going to keep oozing out even after you stop. Always squeeze from the bottom up.
The texture is a light cream. It isn't a watery serum, but it isn't a heavy moisturizer either. It feels cooling on the skin, which is a nice contrast to the "funk" of the smell.
Why Topicals Changed the Industry
Before Topicals, the skincare industry was pretty segregated. You had products for "anti-aging" (mostly marketed to white women) and products for "acne" (marketed to teens). There wasn't a lot of high-end, science-backed stuff specifically addressing the concerns of people of color, specifically Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE).
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Olamide Olowe, the founder, built Topicals to bridge that gap. The fact that Topicals Faded brightening and clearing serum is effective on Melasma, sun spots, and acne scars across the entire Fitzpatrick scale is why it went viral. It wasn't just TikTok hype; it was a solution for a demographic that had been largely ignored by major clinical brands.
Actionable Steps for Clearer Skin
If you're ready to add this to your routine, follow this blueprint to get the best results without the irritation.
1. The Patch Test
Apply a tiny bit behind your ear or on your inner forearm for 24 hours. If you don't itch or turn bright red, you’re probably good to go.
2. The Slow Build
Use it once a week for the first two weeks. Then move to twice a week. Only go to every other day if your skin feels hydrated and calm. Most people find that 3-4 times a week is the "sweet spot."
3. Layering Strategy
Wash with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Apply a hydrating toner if you use one. Apply a thin layer of Faded. Wait. Follow with a barrier-repairing moisturizer containing ceramides.
4. The Sunscreen Rule
Use an SPF 30 or higher every single day. Even if it’s cloudy. Even if you’re staying inside near windows.
5. Documentation
Take a photo in the same lighting today. Set a calendar reminder for 30 days from now, then 60 days. It is almost impossible to see the gradual fading in the mirror every morning, but the photos won't lie.
Stick with it. The smell fades within minutes of application, but the glow lasts a lot longer.