Works for
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Bakuchiol + 1 moreWorks well
“Powered by Retin-less technology that safely mimics the properties of retinoids, the skin-brightening treatment helps to reverse signs of ageing and provide protection from sun-induced damage, without the negative effects of Retinol.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains bakuchiol, niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Alpha-arbutin + 2 moreWorks well
“The light, silky serum targets existing hyperpigmentation and age spots whilst minimising the formation of new ones; its blend of carefully selected active ingredients, including Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Daisy Flower and Babchi Seed Extract, work in tandem to promote an even, more uniform skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, bakuchiol, niacinamide, tranexamic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Glycerin + 5 moreWorks well
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, saccharide isomerate.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Bakuchiol + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Bakuchiol, Decarboxy carnosine hclWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (bakuchiol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - decarboxy carnosine hcl also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Bellis perennis flower extract, AromaMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinPropanediol~3.2–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolNiacinamide~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideAlpha-arbutin~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
More about Alpha-arbutinTranexamic acid~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally
More about Tranexamic acidBellis perennis flower extract~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Bellis perennis flower extractCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideDictyopteris polypodioides extract~1–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Saccharide isomerate~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateBakuchiol~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation
More about BakuchiolDecarboxy carnosine hcl~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be able to protect the skin from free radicals, but further evidence of effectiveness is needed
More about Decarboxy carnosine hclPistacia lentiscus gum~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A tree rasin that could temporarily tighten the skin and might help regulate sebum production, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Pistacia lentiscus gumHectorite~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Picea abies extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pullulan~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanSclerotium gum~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumXanthan gum~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumLecithin~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinSilica~0.15–0.55%
Potassium phosphate~0.1–0.3%
Disodium phosphate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphatePotassium chloride~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium hydroxide~0.05–0.25%
Dehydroacetic acid~0.05–0.15%
Benzoic acid~0.05–0.2%
Sorbic acid~0.05–0.15%
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholPhenethyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%
Butylene glycol~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolAroma~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Alpha-arbutin, Tranexamic acid, Bellis perennis flower extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract, Saccharide isomerate, Bakuchiol, Decarboxy carnosine hcl, Pistacia lentiscus gum, Hectorite, Picea abies extract, Pullulan, Sclerotium gum, Xanthan gum, Lecithin, Silica, Potassium phosphate, Disodium phosphate, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzoic acid, Sorbic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Phenethyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Aroma
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| SepaiFlawless Dark Spots SerumYOUR PRODUCT | GalenicumDermaHypemium Double Serum | PurifiedPost-Breakout Serum | JUMISOAll Day Vitamin VC-IP 1.0 Firming Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 85% | 84% |
| Price | — | $31.02 | $19.83 | $12.67 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 9 | 5 of 9 | 3 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Azelaic Acid | Panthenol | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting SerumPermanence Illuminate Intensive Lightening Serum
Product summary
"Sepai - Flawless Dark Spots Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Moisturizing and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.60% - 3.90%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Bakuchiol in this product (the concentration is about 0.45% - 1.00%). Helps fight photodamage (wrinkles, elasticity loss and pigmentation) and can reduce clogged pores and blemishes. Bakuchiol is a compound extracted from a plant Babchi. It acts similar to retinoids, but with less irritation risk.
- Humectants (saccharide isomerate 0.55% - 1.25% and glycerin 3.90% - 5.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 100.80$ in the United States, from 59.90£ up to 73.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 127.80CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Effect of tranexamic acid on melasma: a clinical trial with histological evaluationonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5Tranexamic acid accelerates skin barrier recovery and upregulates occludin in damaged skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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