Formula · 6.4

Brand · 7.7

Anua · niacinamide 10% and tranexamic acid 4% · South Korea

Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum

Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
6.4

LabReadAI label score

How the score is calculated
  • Actives and evidence0.8Actives with strong evidence: 2 of 6
  • Active concentration1.0After the 1 % line: panthenol (pro-vitamin b5) — the concentration is likely token
  • Completeness for the purpose0.6For “dark spots and uneven tone” — 57 %; retinoid; glycolic acid; could be added without conflict: retinoid, glycolic acid; a formula with one main purpose
  • Tolerance0.4Above the tolerance threshold: Niacinamide (vitamin B3) — irritation more likely
  • adults
  • pregnancyallowed per the leaflet
  • oily skin
  • acne-prone
  • atopic skin
  • dry skin
  • children
  • babies
  • sensitive skinat 10 % flushing is possible
  • rosaceaask a dermatologist
Free from:
  • alcohol (alcohol denat) · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “denatured alcohol” group — evaporates fast and degreases; frequent contact can dry the skin — a tolerance question, not a regulatory one; does not clog pores
  • sulfates (SLS/SLES) · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), sodium coco-sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium myreth sulfate, TEA-lauryl sulfate” group — a cleansing surfactant from the sulfate family but with an ethoxylated chain: it cleanses more gently than lauryl sulfate. Still not for those looking for a sulfate-free product.
  • formaldehyde releasers · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “formaldehyde releasers” group — preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde; allowed at low levels but a frequent cause of contact allergy
  • isothiazolinones (MIT/MCI) · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “isothiazolinone preservatives (MIT/MCI)” group — preservatives; banned in EU leave-on products and limited in rinse-off (0.0015%) — a frequent cause of contact allergy
  • fragrance · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “fragrance and its allergens” group — the fragrance and its aromatic components; the EU requires 26 of them to be listed separately — matters to people allergic to fragrance, does not affect how the product works
  • parabens · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “parabens” group — preservatives; methyl- and ethylparaben are recognised as safe at permitted levels, propyl- and butyl- are limited by the EU to 0.14 %; a frequent buyer question rather than proven harm
  • mineral oils and petrolatum · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “petrolatum and mineral oils” group — purified cosmetic-grade petroleum products: form a protective barrier film; safety is established, a preference question; 0–2 of 5 (depends on the raw-material source), cosmetic white oil per DiNardo (2005) is non-comedogenic
  • soap · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “potassium soap (potassium cocoate), plant soap base (sodium palmate, sodium cocoate), tallow soap base (sodium tallowate)” group — liquid soap: fatty acids boiled with alkali. It cleanses well, but its acidity is around 9-10 against 5 for skin, which is why it often leaves tightness. The product is rinsed off, so the question is tolerance.
  • silicones · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “silicones” group — form a smooth film and shine; inert and not absorbed — a preference question, not a safety one
  • gelatin in the coating · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “vegetarian coating” group — a plant-based tablet coating instead of gelatin; it keeps moisture out and makes swallowing easier
  • toning dyes · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “violet toning dyes” group — direct dyes that settle on the hair surface and cancel the yellow cast of blonde; they wash out in 1–3 washes and leave a lilac tint if left too long; HC Blue 2 and Disperse Violet 1 are known contact allergens of hair dyes
  • tar · by the listthe list has no ingredient of the “wood (birch) tar” group — a traditional remedy for dandruff and itching with a sharp smell; it reduces flaking, but can irritate a sensitive scalp and dries the hair
What for: Against dark spots you need two fronts: actives that slow pigment production (azelaic and tranexamic acids, niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, thiamidol) and those that speed up skin renewal (a retinoid, acids). One active per front is enough; better both fronts and SPF in the daytime.
When:
  • leave-on
  • morning
  • evening
morning and evening, on clean skin
When to expect an effect: tone, pores — 4–8 weeks; sebum — 2–4; spots — 8–12 weeks; hydration — immediately; lasting effect — 2–4 weeks; soothing — days; barrier — 2–4 weeks; barrier, dryness — 2–4 weeks
What is normal: mild flushing in the first days at high concentration

Ingredients — 41 component · 6 work

What works: 6 of 41 ingredients: niacinamide, tranexamic acid, arbutin and 3 more. Against dark spots you need two fronts: actives that slow pigment production (azelaic and tranexamic acids, niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, thiamidol) and those that speed up skin renewal (a retinoid, acids). One active per front is enough; better both fronts and SPF in the daytime.

Strengths: active concentration

What lowers the score: actives and evidence: actives with strong evidence: 2 of 6; completeness for the purpose: for “dark spots and uneven tone” — 57 %; tolerance: above the tolerance threshold: niacinamide — irritation more likely

Questions: no debatable ingredients in the formula

  • Ceramides + Hyaluronic acid — reinforce each otherhyaluronate draws moisture in, ceramides keep it
  • Ceramides + skin-identical components — reinforce each otherceramides with cholesterol and fatty acids restore the barrier better than alone
  • Hyaluronic acid + Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) — reinforce each othertwo humectants with different action: moisture plus soothing
  • Niacinamide (vitamin B3) + Ceramides — reinforce each otherniacinamide boosts the skin own ceramide production, added ceramides rebuild the barrier from outside
  • Tranexamic acid + Arbutin — reinforce each othertranexamic acid dampens the signal to make pigment, arbutin blocks the enzyme itself — different routes
  • Tranexamic acid + Niacinamide (vitamin B3) — reinforce each otherin an RCT a serum with tranexamic acid and niacinamide matched 4 % hydroquinone
  • Water base: coating, fillers · water — the solvent and base; listed first because there is more of it than anything else; in supplements — part of the capsule shell
  • Glycerin base: coating, fillers · a humectant: coats the tablet, holds moisture in creams and shampoos; does not clog pores
  • Niacinamide works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: niacinamide
  • Tranexamic Acid works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: tranexamic acid
  • Butylene Glycol base: coating, fillers · a humectant and solvent: it makes the texture lighter and helps actives spread. Better tolerated than propylene glycol.
  • Diethoxyethyl Succinate base: coating, fillers · dissolves the other ingredients and holds the formula together
  • 1,2-Hexanediol base: coating, fillers · a solvent and humectant with antimicrobial action: it helps the product keep without classic preservatives.
  • Arbutin works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: alpha-arbutin
  • Sodium Hyaluronate works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Alpha-Arbutin works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: alpha-arbutin
  • Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • Eclipta Prostrata Extract base: coating, fillers · plant and algae extracts and floral waters: flavouring and marketing components — at these shares there is no proven effect on the skin; rare reactions in people allergic to that particular plant
  • Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil base: coating, fillers · a nourishing emollient oil; rarely clogs pores in leave-on face products
  • Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil base: coating, fillers · the plant base: emollient oils, waxes and care extracts
  • Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil base: coating, fillers · creates a protective layer between the skin and outside irritants
  • Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract base: coating, fillers · the plant base: emollient oils, waxes and care extracts
  • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract base: coating, fillers · plant and algae extracts and floral waters: flavouring and marketing components — at these shares there is no proven effect on the skin; rare reactions in people allergic to that particular plant
  • Prunus Persica (Peach) Flower Extract base: coating, fillers · plant and algae extracts and floral waters: flavouring and marketing components — at these shares there is no proven effect on the skin; rare reactions in people allergic to that particular plant
  • Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil base: coating, fillers · the plant base: emollient oils, waxes and care extracts
  • Yeast Ferment Extract base: coating, fillers · skin-microbiome ferments, prebiotics and formula antioxidants
  • Centella Asiatica Extract base: coating, fillers · plant and algae extracts and floral waters: flavouring and marketing components — at these shares there is no proven effect on the skin; rare reactions in people allergic to that particular plant
  • Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment base: coating, fillers · amino acids, lipids and sugars akin to the skin’s own components — support for its barrier
  • Hyaluronic Acid works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Pentylene Glycol base: coating, fillers · humectants and solvents — hold water and help actives dissolve
  • Betaine Salicylate base: coating, fillers · holds back the growth of bacteria and fungi
  • Sucrose Palmitate base: coating, fillers · plain sugar: topically — a humectant from the NMF set, in supplements — a sweetening filler in milligrams, no effect on dietary sugar
  • Hydrogenated Lecithin base: coating, fillers · soften, condition and carry the actives; the backbone of the texture
  • Gellan Gum base: coating, fillers · hold the texture: gels, creams and foam do not separate
  • Sodium Phytate base: coating, fillers · bind hard-water metals so the formula stays stable and the foam works
  • Cellulose base: coating, fillers · filler that gives the tablet its bulk
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride base: coating, fillers · a coconut-oil fraction, a light emollient and carrier of actives; does not clog pores
  • Panthenol works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: panthenol
  • Cyanocobalamin base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • Polyglutamic Acid base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • Ceramide NP works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: ceramides NP, AP, EOP
  • Dextrin base: coating, fillers · a starch breakdown product: a filler, thickener and film former; does not act
  • Asiaticoside base: coating, fillers · keeps the oils in the formula from going rancid
  • Madecassic Acid base: coating, fillers · softens the skin and helps it hold water — the most common role in creams
  • Asiatic Acid base: coating, fillers · helps the formula stay unchanged over time
  • Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate base: coating, fillers · draws water in and holds it in the upper layer of the skin
  • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Potassium Hyaluronate works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate works · the active ingredient — what the product is for; form: sodium hyaluronate
  • Xanthan Gum base: coating, fillers · hold the texture: gels, creams and foam do not separate

Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum is a product whose active ingredient is niacinamide (vitamin b3) + tranexamic acid + arbutin + hyaluronic acid at a declared 10 %. The effect is supported by studies: niacinamide (vitamin b3), ceramides. The effect is moderately supported: tranexamic acid, arbutin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol (pro-vitamin b5). The formula has 41 ingredients, 6 of which do the work; the rest is the formula base. Well-matched pairs in the formula: ceramides + hyaluronic acid; ceramides + skin-identical components; hyaluronic acid + panthenol (pro-vitamin b5); niacinamide (vitamin b3) + ceramides; tranexamic acid + arbutin; tranexamic acid + niacinamide (vitamin b3). Against dark spots you need two fronts: actives that slow pigment production (azelaic and tranexamic acids, niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, thiamidol) and those that speed up skin renewal (a retinoid, acids). One active per front is enough; better both fronts and SPF in the daytime. By the list, no alcohol (alcohol denat), sulfates (SLS/SLES), formaldehyde releasers, isothiazolinones (MIT/MCI), fragrance, parabens, mineral oils and petrolatum, soap, silicones, gelatin in the coating, toning dyes, tar. Suitable for: adults, pregnancy, oily skin, acne-prone, atopic skin, dry skin, children, babies. sensitive skin, rosacea — ask a doctor. Use: morning and evening, on clean skin. When to expect an effect: tone, pores — 4–8 weeks; sebum — 2–4. Label score — 6.4 out of 10 (actives with strong evidence: 2 of 6; after the 1 % line: panthenol (pro-vitamin b5) — the concentration is likely token; for “dark spots and uneven tone” — 57 %; retinoid; glycolic acid; could be added without conflict: retinoid, glycolic acid; a formula with one main purpose; above the tolerance threshold: niacinamide (vitamin b3) — irritation more likely). 10% niacinamide is above the share it was studied at (2–5%): sensitive skin may flush or redden. The formula contains betaine salicylate — not suitable with a salicylate allergy.

Who it does not suit

When to stop: persistent burning — stop; tightness in dry air — apply under a cream

Per the maker's leaflet: 10% niacinamide is above the share it was studied at (2–5%): sensitive skin may flush or redden. The formula contains betaine salicylate — not suitable with a salicylate allergy.

Is this product right for your skin?

The score describes the formula, not your skin: the same product dries one person and saves another. Describe your skin type, reactions and goals, attach a photo of the ingredient list or the product — we will go through every ingredient and say whether it suits you, what to pair it with and what to avoid.

Cosmetic ingredient checkDecode my tests

Similar products

Same nutrient and the same purpose — closest by form and dose. Each has its own score by the same method, so you can see whether there is an option nearby that is more honest or simpler in composition.