Shoppers Say This $15 K-Beauty Serum Is the Key to "Glass Skin"

Isabel Bekele

July 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM·3 min read

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Others have seen a "major difference" in dark spots

When it comes to skin care, my routine varies drastically depending on the season, status of my skin, and honestly, my mood. Some months, I’m a product connoisseur, strictly adhering to a multi-step routine; other months, I decide it's time to rebrand as a skin minimalist and only use three products max. Regardless of my routine’s length, however, I always make sure that at least one of my products is aimed at brightening my skin. And on my most recent scroll of Amazon’s viral products page, I found a serum formulated to do just that: the Anua Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid Serum, which is on sale for $15 with a Prime account.

I’ve heard buzz about Korean skin care brand Anua for months now, especially thanks to the brand’s viral cleansing oil. While not even a face wash with millions of TikTok views convinced me to click “Add to Cart,” the serum’s glowing reviews section did.

Because I struggle with hyperpigmentation, I’m always exploring what new skin-brightening offerings are on the market. As a result, I’ve gotten pretty savvy at sniffing out which products are worth the buy—and, if over 50,000 purchases in the past month alone are any indication, this serum is one of those products.

Anua 10% Niacinamide + 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum

The lightweight serum is targeted at fading dark spots, hydrating and soothing the skin, and strengthening the skin barrier. It’s also formulated to revive dull skin and shrink pores, and it’s gentle enough to use twice daily, per the brand.

While the long list of benefits is impressive, what really sold me on the product is its star-studded ingredients list. One of the serum’s main ingredients is niacinamide, a dermatologist-loved vitamin that prevents the transfer of pigment within the skin to reduce dark spots, and fights off signs of aging like discoloration and wrinkles.

Other superpower ingredients within the serum include hyaluronic acid, which replenishes cell moisture, and ceramides, which restore the skin barrier, preventing the water loss that leads to dry skin. And, the cherry on the top, the formula is rounded out by skin-brightening powerhouse Tranexamic acid, which fades the appearance of acne scars.

What struck me the most about the product’s customer reviews, besides the sheer number of positive experiences, was how quickly shoppers say the serum works. One shopper, who used the serum twice a day along with the Anua cleansing foam, was “incredibly surprised” to find their dark spots lightened within a week. Another reviewer, who says they’re “very impatient” when waiting for results (relatable), saw a “major difference” in hyperpigmentation around their lips and chin after only three uses.

The benefits of the serum don’t just stop at skin-brightening—multiple shoppers credit the product for giving them skin so flawless it’s “like glass,” with one adding that their skin was left “soft and clear” after using the formula. As one customer who incorporated the product into their daily routine said, “If you want glass-looking skin, this product is your girl.”

Whether my current skincare routine includes three products or 13, skin that’s dewier, brighter, and more hydrated is always the goal. If you’re looking for the same, head to Amazon to shop the Anua serum for only $15, and check out other products from the Korean skin care line, below.