Keeps my melasma in check without irritation Thrilled to see Good Molecules at Ulta! I first purchased the *Discoloration Correcting Serum* last year as part of a trio (which included the *Niacinamide Toner* and *Daily Brightening Serum*) to combat melasma as well as hyperpigmentation left by acne rosacea and eczema flares. I'd run out of a product (Faded, by Topicals) that was evening out my dark spots and patches like magic; it was OOS but I knew it contained tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and azelaic acid.
Tranexamic was the only "new" ingredient, so I reasoned it was probably doing the heavy lifting. Apparently, "Tranexamic acid stops the uptake of the pigment producing cells into the upper layers of the skin and works well alongside other pigment regulators. It is well tolerated topically with a low side effect profile making it a popular choice'—per Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, Consultant Physician/founder of Adonia Medical Clinic. Instead of bleaching, tranexamic acid keeps our skin cells from responding to injury by overproducing melanin—perfect for my rashy, melasma'd self! The main precaution for tranexamic acid products is: "patch test if you have eczema or sensitive skin".
Someone on a skincare forum tipped me off to GM *Discoloration Correcting Serum*. It contains a modified form of tranexamic acid called "cetyl tranexamate mesylate" , or 2% TeraCeutic TXVector™. TeraCeutic TXVector delivers tranexamic acid deep into the skin to help fade hyperpigmentation. It's combined with 4% niacinamide in a dual-action formula to 1) target existing dark spots 2) prevent future hyperpigmentation 3) improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, texture, dullness, and enlarged pores. (For ~a third of the price of my OOS serum...why not?)
DCC works SO WELL. I've repurchased it (and Niacinamide Toner, and Daily Brightening Serum) 3 or 4x—it's inexpensive, effective at keeping melasma in check, and never irritates my cranky skin. It's v viscous, so I use after toner/DBS (here), before rosacea rx, moisturizer, spf.
not for sensitive skin After a lot of trial and error and money spent on quality skincare, I had finally gotten my sensitive skin to a point where it was staying soft, smooth, and relatively hydrated, and I was very pleased. I do have some melasma from intense sun exposure in the past, and it is the one skincare problem I haven't been able to get control of, so when I read glowing reviews of this product saying it helped to minimize melasma discoloration, I thought, that's just what I need to add to my other products. AND at such an affordable price! Well...I guess you get what you pay for, and if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. As soon as I tried this stuff, my face broke out everywhere. I've used this product for 3 days in case the first time was just a fluke, and my skin has continued to flare up with each use. I am really disappointed that none of the stellar reviews ever mentioned this is NOT great for sensitive skin, so I wanted to warn others like me. Not only did it not improve my discoloration, but I now have to get my skin back under control and cleared up, and tackle the dark spots left from the breakouts this serum caused. I'm going back to my previous skincare routine, ditching this stuff and never looking back.
Maybe not for WOC 2
2023-03-22
I saw a review that this serum made hyperpigmentation darker for WOC and it's true. Used this about 2 months made my dark spots so much darker, soon I as stopped my skin started lightening. Sad bc it's reasonable and I really wanted to like it
Dozens tried, this has worked the best 5
2023-03-22
I've tried a lot of dark spot correctors, I have acne scars and sun spots, this has really lightened my acne spots and about half way lightened a large sun spot on my cheek, my skin tone is much more even, took a few weeks to really notice but it has helped me a lot with no side effects, no break outs, smell or burning. I will now check out their other products.
A gem! 5
2023-03-22
I've already commented about this but I've been using it for a couple of months now and I see a huge difference in my skin. I'm in love, just bought my 2nd bottle.
Leaves skin smooth and erases hyperpigmentation 5
2023-03-22
I have struggled with cystic acne in the past, and this serum has helped to lighten my now hyperpigmentation and redness. I use it twice a day after cleansing :) Just give it a few months with consistent use to notice the results!
product great, packaging broke 4
2023-03-21
i love the actual product but the dropper broke after 3 weeks of use, i havent had this issue with any of their other serums so maybe i just got a bad bottle tho.
