Our skin goes through a lot, and sometimes the scars, bumps, and uneven tone it develops are hard reminders of past breakouts or sun exposure. Lately, I’ve been struggling with acne scars and textured skin, and it got me looking for a serum that could actually help. One of the products I kept seeing everywhere was the Anua Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum, and after hearing trusted Instagram skincare influencers rave about it, I knew I had to give it a try.
I received this serum as a PR sample, but as always, this review is completely honest and based on my personal experience.
*This post contains affiliate links. You can also use my YesStyle discount code SWEET07 to save on your purchase.
What Is Anua Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum?
Anua is a Korean skincare brand known for combining potent ingredients with gentle formulations. The Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum is designed to target hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and texture.
It features 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid (TXA). Niacinamide helps regulate oil, refine pores, strengthen the skin barrier, and brighten your complexion. TXA is well-studied for targeting dark spots and melasma, making it a strong choice if your main concerns are post-acne marks or uneven pigmentation.
The serum has a watery red formula with a slightly sticky texture. While the stickiness might not be everyone’s favorite, I personally found it minimal and it layers really well under moisturizer and sunscreen. I’ve been using it in my morning routine for the past few weeks, and it fits perfectly under makeup.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
This serum is packed with skin-loving ingredients beyond niacinamide and TXA. Here are the most important ones:
- Niacinamide (10%) → Brightens, reduces pores, balances oil, strengthens the skin barrier.
- Tranexamic Acid (4%) → Fades dark spots, discoloration, and post-acne marks.
- Arbutin & Alpha-Arbutin → Additional brightening agents that even out skin tone.
- Sodium Hyaluronate + Multiple Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives → Deep hydration and plumping from different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
- Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid → Soothing and calming, perfect for sensitive skin.
- Ceramide NP → Helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
- 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid → A stable Vitamin C derivative that brightens without irritation.
- Plant Oils (Jojoba, Olive, Grape Seed, Macadamia, Camellia) → Lightweight hydration and nourishment.
- Botanicals & Ferments → Peach Flower Extract, Artemisia, Chamaecyparis Leaf, Cocoa Extract, and Yeast Ferment provide antioxidants, calm irritation, and support skin health.
This combination makes it more than just a brightening serum, it also hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin, which is why it works well even with sensitive or combination skin types.
Who Should Use This Serum?
While Anua markets this serum for all skin types, I think it’s particularly great for:
- Combination & Oily Skin → Niacinamide helps control excess oil and reduce pore appearance.
- Acne-Prone Skin → The serum targets post-acne scars, dark spots, and uneven texture.
- Sensitive Skin → Despite the high niacinamide concentration, it includes plenty of soothing and calming ingredients to prevent irritation.
- Hyperpigmentation & Uneven Tone → TXA, arbutin, and niacinamide work together to fade discoloration, freckles, and melasma.
If you’re brand-new to niacinamide, starting with a lower concentration might be better, but I found this serum gentle enough even on my sensitive, combination skin.
How to Use the Anua Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum
Using this serum is simple, but consistency is key:
- Cleanse – Start with a gentle face wash.
- Tone (optional) – A hydrating toner works well to prep your skin.
- Apply Serum – Use 2–3 drops and gently pat it into your face. I like to focus on acne scars and uneven areas.
- Moisturize – Lock in hydration with your favorite moisturizer.
- SPF – Always finish with sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin and prevent new dark spots.
I personally use it in the morning, but it can also be used in the evening. Just avoid layering too many strong actives like Vitamin C or acids at the same time.
My Experience With Anua Niacinamide Serum
I have combination sensitive skin that leans oily this time of year, with noticeable acne scars and bumps. After using this serum consistently for about two weeks, I noticed:
- My skin tone became more even, which was amazing since I naturally have freckles and some discoloration.
- My texture improved, and small bumps started smoothing out.
- No irritation or breakouts occurred, which was a huge relief considering my sensitive skin.
- The serum absorbs quickly, and the slight stickiness doesn’t bother me at all. It layers well under sunscreen, and I’ve been wearing it under makeup without any issues.
How Does It Compare?
I’ve tried the TIA’M Vita B3 Source Serum, which also contains 10% niacinamide. Both serums are effective, but I feel like the Anua serum has the added benefit of TXA, making it a better option if your focus is dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks. The TIA’M serum feels slightly lighter, so if you prefer an ultra-light texture, that might be your pick.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re struggling with acne scars, uneven skin tone, or texture, the Anua Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum is worth considering. It’s more potent than many niacinamide serums, yet still gentle enough for sensitive skin.
It isn’t magic, you won’t see overnight results, but with consistent use, you’ll notice visible improvements. The price is reasonable for what you get, making it a solid investment if you want a targeted serum that actually works.
👉 You can get it on YesStyle and save using my code SWEET07.
Final Verdict
The Anua Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum lived up to the hype for me. My skin looks brighter, more even, and smoother after just a few weeks. It’s gentle, effective, and a great addition to a routine for hyperpigmentation, post-acne scars, or texture concerns.
If you want a serum that does more than basic hydration, this one is a must-try.
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