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Sarah Aref's Favorites: The Niacinamide Serum, Eye Serum & Hyaluronic Acid Essence She Actually Reaches For
Three products, three different jobs — a niacinamide serum for dark spots and tone, an eye serum for the fine lines and dullness that show first, and a hyaluronic acid essence to hydrate before anything else goes on. These are the three Sarah Aref keeps repurchasing rather than swapping out for whatever's trending that month.
The niacinamide serum: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4%
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the most reordered niacinamide serum on the site, and the combination is what makes it work faster than niacinamide alone — TXA (tranexamic acid) targets stubborn discoloration and melasma-type spots that niacinamide by itself moves on more slowly. It's the daily step for anyone dealing with post-acne marks, sun spots, or general unevenness.
The eye serum: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Ginseng + Retinal
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum pairs ginseng with retinal — a faster-converting form of retinoid than standard retinol — to work on fine lines and dullness around the eyes specifically. Despite the name, plenty of people use it beyond just the eye area for the same anti-aging benefit in smaller doses.
The hyaluronic acid essence: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence is the lightweight hydration step that goes on damp skin before a heavier serum, so whatever comes after actually absorbs instead of sitting on the surface. It's the product that makes the niacinamide serum and eye cream above work better, not a competing step.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need all three, or can I start with just one?
The niacinamide serum is the one most people benefit from starting with if dark spots or uneven tone are the main concern. Add the eye serum once fine lines become a priority, and the hyaluronic acid essence whenever your skin needs more hydration before your other actives.
Can I use the niacinamide serum and the eye serum together?
Yes — apply the hyaluronic acid essence first on damp skin, the niacinamide serum next, and the eye serum specifically around the eye area last, since it's formulated for that thinner, more sensitive skin.
Is TXA in a niacinamide serum safe for daily use?
Yes, at the concentration used here it's formulated for daily use, and it's what allows the serum to work on stubborn pigmentation faster than niacinamide alone.
Want more from each brand? Browse Niacinamide, or shop the full Eye Care range.
