9 min read

A breakout lasts about a week. The brown mark it leaves behind can last six months or more, and picking at the spot or skipping sunscreen while it heals can add months to that.

The short answer

PIH is extra pigment your skin made while it was inflamed, and it fades as your skin renews. A consistent routine shortens that in four ways: it calms the inflammation that creates new marks, reduces the extra pigment, helps the pigmented cells shed sooner and protects your skin from the sun, which keeps marks dark.

Read time 9 min
Suits All skin types, Acne-prone
Diagram of the glass test: a red mark fades under a pressed clear glass, while a brown mark keeps its color.
Red from blood vessels fades under a pressed glass. Brown from pigment keeps its color, and that is PIH.

What PIH is

Pigment, or melanin, is part of your skin's defense system. The cells that make it, called melanocytes, sit at the base of the epidermis, which is the top layer of your skin, and pass melanin up to the skin cells around them.

When your skin is inflamed, the inflammation releases chemical signals. Some of those signals reach the melanocytes nearby and tell them to make more melanin. The inflammation clears, but the extra melanin has already been made and passed to the surrounding skin cells. That is the brown mark left where the breakout was.

PIH is excess pigment, sitting on top of your natural tone. The ingredients that fade it work on that excess, and at the strengths used in skincare they do not noticeably lighten your natural skin tone.

Why some marks are brown and others are gray

Most PIH is epidermal, which means the extra pigment sits in the epidermis. These marks are tan to dark brown, and they fade as that layer renews.

When inflammation is deep or severe, it can damage the cells at the base of the epidermis, and some melanin drops into the dermis, the layer below. Cells there, called melanophages, take that melanin in and hold onto it. These deeper marks look gray or blue-gray rather than brown. They fade far more slowly, often over a year or longer, and sometimes not completely, because your skin's renewal does not reach that layer.

This is worth knowing, because it explains why some marks respond within weeks and others barely change. Ingredients applied topically do most of their work on the brown, epidermal kind.

PIH or PIE?

Press a clear glass firmly onto the mark. If the color fades under the pressure, the mark is red from blood vessels, which is PIE. If the color stays, it is pigment, which is PIH. Many people have both at once, especially in the weeks after a breakout heals.

The pigment ingredients below are for the brown marks. Red marks need a different approach, which Red Marks After Breakouts explains.

What makes PIH last longer

Sun is the biggest factor. Ultraviolet light tells melanocytes to make more pigment, and on deeper skin tones visible light does as well, which means a mark that is already darker than the skin around it darkens further. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides protect against visible light, which makes them especially helpful for PIH on deeper skin tones.

Picking and squeezing come next. Squeezing a breakout at home can push what is inside it deeper and make it more inflamed, and scrubbing a mark inflames the skin over it. More inflammation means more pigment, which makes the mark darker and slower to fade, and raises the chance of the deeper, gray kind.

Irritation from skincare is the third. Strong exfoliation, high-strength actives and the dryness that follows them inflame the skin. On deeper skin tones, that inflammation can create new marks while you are trying to fade the old ones. Consistency beats strength: steady use of a moderate product does more for PIH than a strong one you have to keep stopping.

Diagram of two skin cross-sections: brown pigment in the top layer for epidermal PIH, and gray-blue pigment held in deeper cells for dermal PIH.
Brown marks sit in the top layer and fade as it renews. Gray marks sit deeper, which is why they take far longer.

How to fade PIH

Fading PIH works on four things at the same time:

  • Stopping new inflammation, so new marks stop forming.
  • Reducing the extra pigment, by slowing how much melanin is made and passed to your skin cells.
  • Helping pigmented cells shed, so the cells carrying the extra pigment shed sooner.
  • Protecting your skin from light, because sun keeps telling melanocytes to make more pigment.

Calm the cause first

If breakouts are still coming, new marks will appear faster than the old ones fade, which makes managing the breakouts the most important part of managing PIH. Inflamed Acne covers how to calm them. The same applies to anything else that keeps inflaming one area, such as shaving bumps or eczema.

What a pigment ingredient does

Your skin makes melanin in steps. A signal tells melanocytes to start, an enzyme called tyrosinase turns raw material into melanin, and the melanocytes pass it to the skin cells around them. A pigment ingredient slows one of those steps, which reduces the extra pigment without stopping your skin making melanin altogether. These are the ones we use most for PIH, and each has its own article in the Ingredients that help section below.

Azelaic acid works on breakouts, redness and pigment at the same time, which makes it especially useful while you are still breaking out. A small 16-week study of azelaic acid gel in adults with acne and PIH found improvement in both.

Niacinamide slows the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to the skin cells around them, and it calms inflammation and supports your barrier as well.

Tranexamic acid quiets the inflammatory signals that tell melanocytes to make more pigment.

Arbutin and kojic acid slow tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes melanin.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect your skin from damage caused by sun and pollution. It also slows pigment production, and it works well under your sunscreen in the morning.

Many formulas combine two or three pigment ingredients, because each one slows a different step.

Help the marks shed

Your skin replaces its surface cells all the time, which is called cell turnover. An exfoliant loosens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, which speeds up cell turnover and brings the pigmented cells to the surface and away sooner.

Mandelic acid suits PIH on acne-prone and deeper skin tones well. It has a larger molecule and enters the skin slowly, and it works on breakouts too. Glycolic acid travels furthest into the skin and helps with texture and fine lines as well. Retinoids, which are forms of vitamin A, speed up cell turnover and work on breakouts, pigment and aging at once. For some people, especially on deeper skin tones, glycolic acid and retinoids cause irritation in the first weeks, and that irritation can trigger new pigment. Start any exfoliant two or three nights a week.

Wear sunscreen every day

Wear broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply it throughout the day. On deeper skin tones, a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxides adds the protection against visible light described above.

Common questions

How long does PIH take to fade?

With a consistent routine and daily sunscreen, most people see a clear difference in brown marks in eight to twelve weeks, and the marks keep fading over three to six months. Gray or blue-gray marks take longer, often a year or more.

Around week six is where people tend to stop, because the marks look lighter but are still there. Keep going without changing anything. The photo routine in the How to use it section below makes slow progress easier to see.

Will PIH go away on its own?

Yes, brown PIH usually does, as your skin renews, but without help it can take many months. The deeper, gray kind fades very slowly and sometimes needs in-clinic procedures alongside your routine.

Why am I breaking out after starting an exfoliant?

That is usually purging. Exfoliants and retinoids speed up cell turnover, which brings clogged pores that were already forming up to the surface sooner, in the areas where you usually break out. A purge can take three to six months to settle. Leave those breakouts alone, since picking them is what leaves new marks.

Bumps in new areas, burning or itching are different: they mean the product does not suit your skin, and you should stop using it.

Can I apply my pigment product only on the mark?

Yes, for a mark from an occasional pimple, applying it only on that mark is fine. If you break out often or across a wide area, apply it across the whole area, since new marks keep forming wherever breakouts happen.

Can I fade PIH during pregnancy?

Yes, with some ingredient changes. Azelaic acid, mandelic acid and glycolic acid are commonly used in pregnancy, and vitamin C and niacinamide are generally considered safe. Most retinoids are avoided, and some may be acceptable depending on the retinoid. Skincare ingredients are almost never tested on pregnant people, which is why it is best to check anything new with your OB, midwife or doctor.

How to use it

  • Manage the breakouts or irritation causing the marks, since new marks appear wherever inflammation does.
  • Apply your pigment product to clean, dry skin, then follow with your moisturizer.
  • Use a gentle exfoliant two or three nights a week to start, and increase it as your skin allows.
  • Introduce one new product at a time, and give each one two weeks before adding the next.
  • Wear broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply it throughout the day.
  • Photograph your skin on day one, in the same spot and in natural daylight, and again every four weeks.
Start with the basics Pigmentation 101: What Causes Dark Spots and How to Manage Them With Skincare
Evidence and sources
  • Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A Review of the Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment Options in Skin of Color. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2010. The epidermal and dermal forms, why deeper marks look gray, and why irritation makes PIH worse. Read the review
  • Kaufman BP, Aman T, Alexis AF. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, Pathogenesis and Treatment. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018. How inflammation leads to excess pigment, and why PIH is more common on deeper skin tones. Read the review
  • Kircik LH. Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid (AzA) Gel 15% in the Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and Acne: A 16-Week, Baseline-Controlled Study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011. The azelaic acid study described above, in 20 adults. Read the study
  • He X, Jin S, Dai X, Chen L, Xiang L, Zhang C. The Emerging Role of Visible Light in Melanocyte Biology and Skin Pigmentary Disorders: Friend or Foe? Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023. Visible light and pigment in deeper skin tones, and iron oxide tinted sunscreen. Read the review

A note on the evidence. PIH itself is well described. Many trials of pigment ingredients were run in melasma rather than PIH, since both involve the same pigment pathway. The azelaic acid study was small and had no comparison group, which makes it an encouraging result rather than a settled one. What we describe here combines that research with what we see in the clinic.

Last reviewed

Ingredients that help

What each one does, how it works and how to use it.

Products for PIH

  • Pavise

    Dynamic Age Defense SPF 30

    4.7 out of 5.0 stars

    From $52.00

    Multi-tasking mineral SPF that protects, hydrates and improves skin tone.

    This SPF lasts 8 hours!!! MIT Tested it, I tested it and it's true. I use 2 pumps on the face. I recommend Dynamic Age Defense to all my clients after testing it for a year myself! It regenerates skin, fades stubborn discoloration, reduces acne, helps calm redness while supporting overall skin repair for anti-aging. As a bonus it also tackles fine lines and excess oil, leaving your skin looking smooth, radiant, and refreshed. It's truly a game changer!

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Daily Defense with a Boost

    Pavise Dynamic Age Defense shields your skin with reef-safe DiamondCore zinc oxide while delivering antioxidant-rich protection that actively combats signs of aging. It works double duty to block UVA/UVB rays and support smoother, healthier-looking skin over time. The formula also calms inflammation, making it a trusted choice for stressed or sensitive skin.

    Invisible, Universal Coverage

    This silky, sheer formula blends seamlessly across all skin tones without a white cast. Lightweight and breathable, it layers well under makeup or other skincare without piling or residue. The hydrating finish leaves skin looking smooth and naturally radiant, with no greasy feel. Massage two pumps into the face and one into the neck and décolletage.

    Technology Meets Skin Longevity

    At the heart of this formula is Pavise’s patented DiamondCore zinc oxide, engineered to protect skin on a cellular level by absorbing harmful UV rays without breaking down or generating free radicals. It is backed by bioadaptive technology that adjusts to environmental stressors while protecting skin DNA from long-term damage.

    Ideal for Everyday Use

    Pavise Dynamic Age Defense is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. The non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula supports barrier strength and reduces oxidative stress with every application. It is an effortless daily step toward smoother, healthier, and more resilient skin. Tranexamic acid and licorice root also help even out tone and soothe visible redness.

  • SkinBetter Science

    Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum

    4.9 out of 5.0 stars

    From $70.00

    Advanced brightening serum tackling stubborn discoloration with dual biotechnologies.

    If you’re struggling with stubborn pigmentation, redness, or dull, uneven skin tone, Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum is one of the best next-level options. It takes everything people love about Even Tone and goes further, combining gentle

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Advanced Care for Stubborn Discoloration

    Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum is designed for those struggling with persistent dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone. It pairs two advanced technologies, b.r.y.t.e.r. for targeting stubborn pigment and TAP for protecting against internal free radical damage, to help restore a more luminous, balanced complexion.

    Dual-Action Brightening and Protection

    The b.r.y.t.e.r. complex blends alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, and gentle AHAs to help fade discoloration while resurfacing skin for a smoother look. At the same time, TAP technology works beneath the surface to minimize the oxidative stress that can cause new spots and dullness.

    Targets Multiple Causes of Uneven Tone

    By addressing both the visible pigment on the surface and the oxidative processes deeper in the skin, this formula helps improve brightness, clarity, and skin texture. Antioxidants like phenylethyl resorcinol, grape flower cell extract, and superoxide dismutase offer extra defense against environmental and light-induced discoloration.

    Gentle Enough for Consistent Use

    Despite its potency, this serum is formulated with soothing botanicals such as aloe, buddleja flower extract, and ergothioneine to calm skin while it works. It can be used twice daily, making it easy to maintain visible improvements over time without unnecessary irritation. Apply a thin layer across the clean, dry face, neck, and décolleté.

  • SkinBetter Science

    Even Tone Correcting Serum

    4.8 out of 5.0 stars

    $170.00

    Hydroquinone-free serum that reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens uneven skin tone.

    My clients love Even Tone Correcting Serum because it helps with so many forms of pigmentation, whether from acne, hormones, or early aging. It also calms redness and supports the skin barrier for a more even, healthy look. I often pair it with AlphaRet for quicker results, and it’s been amazing at keeping pigmentation from coming back after procedures like microneedling, peels, or lasers, all without the harsh side effects of hydroquinone.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Bright, Even Skin Without Harsh Ingredients

    SkinBetter Even Tone Correcting Serum is a hydroquinone-free and retinol-free serum that visibly brightens and evens skin tone. It reduces the look of stubborn dark spots and discoloration while being gentle enough for daily use. Apply a thin layer to the face, neck, and décolleté, morning and night, as part of your regular routine.

    Targets Discoloration and Dullness

    With its patented b.r.y.t. Technology, this serum works on multiple pathways to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, melasma, and age spots. It also addresses the yellow or sallow tone that can appear with age, restoring a fresher, more radiant look. The formula also helps calm redness and supports the skin barrier.

    Advanced Brightening Ingredients

    Key actives like diglucosyl gallic acid, hexylresorcinol, and alpha-arbutin help fade visible discoloration, while Kakadu plum extract boosts brightness with its high vitamin C content. A specialized amino acid complex supports a luminous, balanced complexion. Alpha-arbutin inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, and hexylresorcinol adds antioxidant support.

    Gentle, Consistent Results Over Time

    Because it is hydroquinone-free and retinol-free, this serum can be used both morning and night, which makes it easy to keep your progress going every day. Pair it with AlphaRet for quicker results, or use it to help maintain an even tone after peels or laser sessions. After microneedling, wait forty-eight hours before using it.

  • Vivant

    Exfol-A

    $90.00

    Advanced retinoid serum that smooths texture, targets acne and discoloration.

    Vivant Skincare Exfol-A is a great option for clients dealing with acne, pigmentation, texture, and early signs of aging at the same time. It contains vitamin A along with brightening ingredients, so it helps with clearer pores while also preventing and reducing dark spots. I recommend it only for combination and oily skin <3

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Targets Acne, Texture, And Early Signs Of Aging

    Vivant Exfol-A is an advanced renewal serum designed for skin already acclimated to Vivant’s retinoid therapies. The formula helps address acne, uneven texture, and early signs of aging by encouraging consistent skin renewal. It works to smooth rough areas, refine pores, and support clearer-looking skin.

    Combines Retinoids And Acids For Deeper Renewal

    This formula blends retinyl propionate with lactic and glycolic acids to support more active exfoliation and cell turnover. These ingredients help lift buildup from the skin’s surface while encouraging healthy renewal underneath, which can improve congestion, regulate oil buildup, and maintain a clearer skin environment.

    Improves Tone And Post-Acne Discoloration

    Brightening ingredients such as kojic acid and niacinamide help reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation and post-inflammatory marks. Over time, skin tone appears more balanced while texture becomes smoother and more refined. Regular use supports a clearer complexion with improved brightness and overall skin clarity.

    Designed For Acne-Prone Skin Already Using Retinoids

    Exfol-A is best suited for normal, combination, or oily skin that has already adjusted to Vivant’s retinoid formulas such as Derm-A-Gel. As a more advanced renewal formula, it works best for individuals who are comfortable using active ingredients and want to advance their skin renewal routine.

  • Vivant

    Exfol-A Forté

    $94.00

    Most advanced Vivant retinoid for acne, discoloration, and resistant skin.

    I’ve seen incredible results with Vivant Skincare Exfol-A Forte for clients dealing with very persistent acne and stubborn pigmentation. It’s the stronger step in the Vivant vitamin A system, so I only recommend it after someone has already adjusted to Exfol-A. Most people do great with Exfol-A alone, but Forte can make a big difference when the skin needs that extra push.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Intensive Renewal For Resistant Skin

    Vivant Exfol-A Forté is the most advanced renewal therapy in Vivant’s retinoid system. Designed for experienced users, it helps address stubborn acne, visible sun damage, uneven tone, and thicker skin texture. The concentrated formula supports deeper exfoliation to help refine rough areas and encourage healthier-looking skin.

    Combines Retinoids And Multi-Acid Exfoliation

    This Level 3 treatment blends retinyl propionate with several alpha hydroxy acids to encourage stronger cell turnover. Glycolic, lactic, and citric acids help lift surface buildup while supporting skin renewal underneath, allowing the retinoid to work more effectively in improving texture and maintaining clearer pores.

    Improves Clarity, Tone, And Skin Firmness

    Brightening ingredients such as kojic acid and niacinamide help improve the appearance of discoloration and post-inflammatory marks. As renewal improves, skin often appears smoother, more even, and more refined. Consistent use can support improved clarity and a firmer, more resilient look over time. Retinyl propionate, a vitamin A derivative, supports this renewal and helps improve the look of fine lines.

    Best For Experienced Vitamin A Users

    Exfol-A Forté is recommended for oily, thicker, or resistant skin already acclimated to vitamin A therapies. It is often used on areas that tend to be more resilient, such as the back, chest, arms, and backs of hands, where deeper exfoliation can help improve sun damage and rough skin texture.

  • Vivant

    FF3 BioPeptide AHA

    $226.00

    Clinical mandelic acid plus the FF3 peptide and DMAE system for brightening, firming, and lifting.

    If you have mild to moderate acne, aging concerns, and pigmentation and want to simplify your routine, this is one of my favorite recommendations for you. You are getting a hydrator, a peptide serum, acne and pigment treatment, 4 in 1. For some clients this is honestly a better option than using a straight mandelic acid serum. You are covering a lot of ground in a single step.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Mandelic Acid Serum That Brightens, Firms, and Refines

    Vivant FF3 BioPeptide AHA is a high-potency daily serum combining clinical mandelic acid with neuropeptides, DMAE, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a rare Antarctic marine ferment to address aging, pigmentation, laxity, and dryness together. It refines texture, brightens tone, and softens fine lines. Fragrance-free, rosacea-safe, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and deeper skin tones.

    Exfoliates and Brightens Without Irritation

    Mandelic acid is one of the most effective AHAs for brightening uneven tone and clearing congestion, and its larger molecular size makes it significantly gentler than glycolic acid. FF3 BioPeptide AHA delivers clinical-strength mandelic acid in a formula that exfoliates the surface, fades pigmentation, and clears acne without the dryness or irritation that stronger acids cause. Safe for darker skin tones and reactive skin.

    Firms and Lifts With Neuropeptides and DMAE

    The neuropeptide and DMAE complex in this serum works at a different level than the mandelic acid. Where the acid refines the surface, the peptides and DMAE are working beneath it to firm, lift, and support the structural proteins that give skin its shape. With consistent use, skin becomes smoother and tighter with a visible improvement in laxity that exfoliation alone could never produce.

    Brightens and Regenerates With Antarctic Marine Ferment

    The inclusion of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract sets this serum apart from standard AHA formulas. Derived from a rare Antarctic marine microorganism, it delivers regenerating and moisture-binding benefits that support skin renewal beyond what the mandelic acid and peptide complex achieves on its own. Paired with niacinamide for brightening and anti-inflammatory support, the result is clearer, more even, and more radiant-looking skin over time.

  • Vivant

    FF3 Triple Repair Complex

    $258.00

    GFP Complex with Retinyl Propionate, brightening peptides, and lactic acid for photo-aged, textured skin.

    If you have strong pigmentation and aging skin and your other products just aren't cutting it, this is where I'd go. Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, rough texture, all the signs of sun damage, FF3 Triple Repair Complex addresses them together. It's not the gentle option, it's the effective one. You will likely peel a bit and your skin may feel a little sensitive as it adjusts, which is completely normal. If you're combination to oily, you'll be fine. If you're on the drier side, introduce it slowly. And if you find your skin feeling a little reactive, adding Vivant Totaloe on top really helps counter that without interfering with the formula. What I really appreciate about this one is that it changes how your skin actually behaves over time and helps prevent new pigmentation from forming, not just fade what's already there.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Retinyl Propionate and Growth Factors Repair Photo-Aged Skin

    Photo-aged skin carries years of accumulated structural damage. Triple Repair Complex delivers the proprietary GFP Complex, combining phyto-derived growth factors and Retinyl Propionate, to catalyze intensive cellular renewal, rebuild collagen, and restore the skin's structural integrity. In as little as two months of consistent nighttime use, skin shows visible improvements in tone, texture, firmness, dark spots, and deep wrinkles.

    Brightens and Fades Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

    Sun-induced hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and blotchy discoloration are among the most stubborn visible signs of cumulative photo-damage. Triple Repair Complex targets this through Oligopeptide-68, a skin brightening peptide that helps regulate melanin production, alongside lactic acid that resurfaces the skin and accelerates the clearance of discolored surface cells. Together they produce measurable improvements in the evenness and clarity of the complexion with consistent nightly use.

    Resurfaces and Smooths Rough Texture With Lactic Acid

    Rough, uneven texture in mature and photo-aged skin comes from years of slowed cell turnover and surface buildup. Lactic acid in Triple Repair Complex works at the chemical level to dissolve this buildup, resurface the skin, and reveal smoother, more radiant skin beneath. It also improves moisture retention at the surface, so skin feels more hydrated alongside the exfoliation.

    Firms and Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles

    Triple Repair Complex addresses fine lines and wrinkles through two distinct mechanisms working together. Retinyl Propionate stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal, while the Matrixyl 3000 peptide blend repairs the extracellular matrix responsible for skin firmness and structural integrity. Together they address both the cause and the appearance of wrinkles more fully than either active could achieve alone.

  • Face Reality

    GlowTone Corrective Serum

    4.8 out of 5.0 stars

    $64.00

    Brightening serum that helps fade dark spots and acne marks.

    If you’re dealing with uneven tone, melasma, inflamed breakouts, or post-acne pigmentation, GlowTone is such an exciting option. It’s rare to find a pigment serum at this price point that works this well. It helps fade existing spots while preventing new ones. It’s perfect, it works so well, and my clients and I are truly obsessed.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Acne-safe serum for dark spots + uneven tone.

    GlowTone Corrective Serum is a brightening solution for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Powered by the proprietary Hexa-Bright Complex, it delivers visible brightening results safely for all skin types and tones while remaining acne-safe. It helps fade existing spots while also blocking new pigment from forming.

    Pigment Inhibitors That Work

    Pigment inhibitors are ingredients that help stop new dark spots from forming and prevent existing ones from getting darker. GlowTone combines these powerful ingredients in an acne-safe formula, making it ideal for anyone dealing with melasma, uneven tone, or post-acne pigmentation. Instead of just fading what’s already there, it helps prevent future spots, giving the skin a clearer, more even look over time.

    Designed for Acne-Prone and Reactive Skin

    GlowTone is acne-safe and designed to support the skin barrier. It is a great option for those dealing with uneven pigmentation, rough patches, or dull skin while still actively managing breakouts. Azelaic acid, one of its key ingredients, brings anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits for acne and pigmentation.

    Layers Easily in Any Routine

    GlowTone Corrective Serum is lightweight and versatile, making it easy to incorporate into either your morning or evening routine. It absorbs quickly and layers seamlessly with other products, fitting naturally no matter when you choose to apply it. After cleansing and toning, apply one pump as your last serum before moisturizer and sunscreen.

  • Environ

    Hydrating Oil Capsules

    $108.00

    Vitamin A and antioxidant oil capsules for dry, depleted, and environmentally stressed skin.

    A lot of clients are afraid of facial oils because they assume oils cause breakouts. These capsules prove that wrong. I reach for them when a client's barrier feels compromised, dehydrated, or stressed because they support the skin without feeling heavy. The retinol is doing real work here, which is why I love it for dry skin specifically. I especially recommend it during colder months, travel, after treatments, or anytime your skin needs extra support.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Concentrated Hydration Boost With Retinol and Antioxidants

    Environ Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules deliver a concentrated burst of vitamin-enriched hydration in a single-use, oil-based capsule. Each capsule contains retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a powerful antioxidant complex that energizes, nourishes, and strengthens the skin while protecting against free radical damage. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, or fragile skin, and especially useful during colder months or travel.

    Delivers Concentrated Hydration in a Single Capsule

    Dry, dehydrated, or fragile skin sometimes needs extra nourishment alongside a daily moisturizer. Each capsule delivers nourishing oils and vitamins in a single, fresh-sealed dose, keeping the formula potent until it is applied. It is especially useful as an intensive hydration boost during colder months, after travel, or whenever skin feels dry or tight.

    Strengthens Skin With Retinol

    Unlike many hydration-focused products, these capsules contain retinol, a true active form of vitamin A that supports cell renewal, collagen production, and the strengthening of skin cell walls. This means the capsules are not just hydrating, they are also doing meaningful structural work in the skin with every use, helping support elasticity and a smoother, more resilient surface over time.

    Nourishes With Plant Oils and Cholesterol

    Sunflower oil and soybean oil deliver essential fatty acids that soften and condition the skin, while beta-sitosterol, a plant form of cholesterol, supports the skin's natural cell metabolism. Together this blend leaves a luxurious, silky after-feel without heaviness, energizing and revitalizing skin that is left looking visibly refreshed rather than simply coated in oil. Acne Safe.

  • Vivant

    Mandelic Acid Serum

    5.0 out of 5.0 stars

    From $84.00 Sold out

    For acne, acne marks, pigmentation, reactive skin and uneven texture.

    I love mandelic acid serums, but Vivant Mandelic Acid Serum is even more special because it also contains urea and niacinamide. Which makes is great for reactive skin. This serum is one my favorites for all types of acne, especially combination acne - which is inflamed breakouts and blackheads. I recommend this serum to clients who have reactive skin, pigmentation and those who couldn't tolerate mandelic serums from other brands.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Reduces Persistent Acne

    Vivant Mandelic Acid Serum helps reduce active breakouts by exfoliating inside the pore and limiting acne-causing bacteria. Mandelic acid works gradually, making it effective for both inflamed and non-inflamed acne while supporting clearer pores over time. It’s especially helpful for acne that lingers despite a consistent routine.

    Improves Post-Acne Discoloration

    Mandelic acid supports a more even skin tone by gently accelerating cell turnover and reducing the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Its larger molecular size allows for steady penetration, making it effective for brightening stubborn marks while minimizing the risk of irritation commonly associated with stronger acids.

    Refines Pores and Texture

    By dissolving buildup within the pore, Vivant Mandelic Acid Serum helps smooth uneven texture and soften the look of enlarged pores. Consistent use promotes a clearer, more refined surface, improving skin clarity and enhancing the performance of the rest of your routine. Niacinamide supports barrier function and helps regulate oil.

    Supports Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

    Mandelic acid has a larger molecule and penetrates slowly, which makes it well-tolerated by many acne-prone and sensitive skin types. It delivers antibacterial and exfoliating benefits without aggressive irritation, allowing for long-term use that strengthens skin clarity while maintaining barrier integrity. Urea and sodium PCA support hydration during exfoliation, which makes it a thoughtful choice for reactive skin.

  • Face Reality

    Mandelic Face & Body Scrub

    4.9 out of 5.0 stars

    $38.00

    Mandelic acid scrub that unclogs pores, fades excess pigment and smooths rough skin, especially for non-inflamed acne.

    If you struggle with clogged pores, blackheads, uneven tone or texture, Face Reality Mandelic Face & Body Scrub is a great option. It is made for non-inflamed acne like blackheads and whiteheads, not for red, inflamed breakouts, because scrubbing inflamed skin makes it more irritated. I especially like recommending it after workouts or on hot summer days when your skin feels congested.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Smooth, Clear Skin from Head to Toe

    Face Reality Mandelic Face and Body Scrub is a dual-action exfoliator that unclogs pores, removes buildup, and improves texture. Designed for acne-prone skin, it works well on both the face and body, especially areas like the back, shoulders, and chest. Massage a small amount into clean, damp skin, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

    Exfoliates Gently Yet Effectively

    This scrub combines ultra-fine cellulose beads with mandelic acid, an AHA known for being gentle on sensitive and diverse skin types. It helps fade discoloration, smooth rough patches, and prevent future breakouts without causing irritation or clogging pores. Gluconolactone adds mild exfoliation while hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.

    Designed for Acne-Prone Skin

    This formula is non-comedogenic and acne-safe, with fine cellulose beads that exfoliate without being abrasive. It is ideal for those dealing with body acne, keratosis pilaris, or stubborn congestion that does not respond to cleansers alone. It is designed for non-inflamed breakouts rather than inflamed acne, and works well after workouts or on hot summer days.

    A Weekly Reset for Your Skin

    Use Mandelic Face and Body Scrub one to three times a week to keep skin feeling smooth, clear, and refreshed. It is a great addition to any acne regimen, especially when breakouts are paired with buildup or dull texture. Its biodegradable cellulose beads provide gentle mechanical exfoliation without microtearing the skin.

  • Face Reality

    Mandelic Face & Body Wash

    4.9 out of 5.0 stars

    $37.00

    Mandelic acid cleanser that exfoliates, fades excess pigment and helps clear inflamed acne.

    I recommend Mandelic Face & Body Wash to clients working on breakouts, post-breakout dark marks, texture and early signs of aging. I use it on my body after workouts and on hot summer days, because dead skin cells mix with oil and sweat and clog the pores, which is how body breakouts start. If you already use other exfoliating acids, count this cleanser as one of them, because your skin feels the total amount across your routine.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    A Deep Clean That Goes Beyond the Surface

    Face Reality Mandelic Face and Body Wash is a multi-tasking cleanser formulated to tackle breakouts, rough texture, and discoloration on both the face and body. It is ideal for those dealing with acne or folliculitis in hard-to-reach areas like the back, chest, or shoulders. It is fragrance-free, vegan, and pregnancy safe.

    Powered by Mandelic Acid

    This wash uses mandelic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate dead skin, fade discoloration, and keep pores clear. Because it is oil-soluble, it can also target excess oil and buildup inside the pores, making it effective for both face and body. Gluconolactone adds mild exfoliation while hydrating the skin.

    Gentle Enough for Regular Use

    While active and effective, Mandelic Face and Body Wash is gentle enough to use daily on most skin types. It is especially well-suited for those who cannot tolerate stronger acids or are looking for a more even, smooth complexion over time. Grape seed extract provides free-radical protection and helps soothe inflammation.

    Boosts Any Acne Routine

    This cleanser is an excellent option for acne-prone skin that wants more than just surface cleansing. It reduces buildup and refines texture while brightening and supporting a clearer, more balanced complexion with consistent daily or weekly use. Massage it into damp skin, rinse with tepid water, and use it after workouts or on hot summer days.

  • Face Reality

    Mandelic Serum

    4.9 out of 5.0 stars

    From $42.00

    Helps clear inflamed and non-inflamed acne, and works on pigmentation and texture.

    If you are dealing with clogged pores, inflamed breakouts, post-breakout dark marks or rough texture, Face Reality Mandelic Serum is one of my favorite products to recommend. Mandelic acid reduces acne bacteria, speeds up cell turnover and helps prevent the dark marks a breakout can leave behind, and this serum is hydrating as well. My clients with reactive skin use it without irritation, and it is one we suggest during pregnancy at LAZ Clinic. If your skin is stinging or flaking right now, let your barrier recover before you start it.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Target Breakouts, Discoloration, and Texture in One

    Face Reality Mandelic Serum is a powerful multi-tasker designed to improve acne, reduce dark spots, and smooth out rough texture. It comes in four strengths: 5%, 8%, 11%, and 15%, so you can progress gradually based on your skin's individual needs and tolerance. Apply one pump evenly over the face after cleansing and toning, and let it dry fully.

    Powered by Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliation

    Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works on both the surface and deeper layers of skin. It is oil-soluble, so it clears out clogged pores while fading post-acne marks and evening out skin tone without the irritation that stronger acids can cause.

    Safe for All Skin Tones

    Mandelic acid enters the skin slowly, which makes it less likely to cause irritation or trigger pigmentation issues. That makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin or deeper skin tones who want visible results without compromising their skin barrier health over time. Lactic acid adds gentle surface exfoliation along with hydration.

    A Core Step in a Customized Acne Routine

    Whether you are just starting with 5% or ready for the 15% formula, Mandelic Serum is a core active step that helps reduce breakouts while keeping skin smooth, radiant, and balanced. It layers easily under Acne Med or moisturizer. Sodium hyaluronate attracts water into the skin, adding hydration and a plumper look.

  • Environ

    Mela-Even Cream

    $102.00

    Targets pigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone while supporting healthy-looking skin.

    A lot of clients want to treat pigmentation as fast as possible, but honestly, consistency matters way more than intensity. It is not about removing pigmentation overnight. It is about preventing new pigmentation while gently fading what is already there, and that process really starts from inside the skin. Once that is under control, everything else follows. I love pairing Mela-Even Cream with the AVST system and daily SPF. That combination is genuinely where the results come from.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Vitamin C Cream That Evens and Brightens Tone

    Environ Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream is a light, oil-soluble vitamin C cream formulated to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, fine lines, and sun-damaged skin. As Step 3 in the Mela-Smart System, it works alongside Mela-Prep Lotion and the Mela-Fade Serum system to target visible discoloration. Light and non-greasy, it is suitable for all skin types, especially uneven skin tone.

    Brightens and Evens Skin Tone

    Uneven skin tone and visible discoloration are some of the most common concerns this cream is designed to address. The oil-soluble vitamin C in this formula helps fade the appearance of dark spots and supports a brighter, more even-looking complexion. It works to target visible sun damage at a deeper level than topical brightening alone.

    Protects Against Aging With Antioxidant Defense

    Lipid peroxidation is a process that contributes to the visible signs of aging in the skin. This cream uses ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C, that is known to help prevent this process while providing antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. Vitamin E adds further antioxidant support, helping shield the skin while it works to improve its appearance over time.

    Smooths Fine Lines and Lax Skin

    Beyond brightening, this cream is formulated to help improve the appearance of fine lines and skin that has lost firmness over time. The vitamin C complex supports a plumper, more youthful-looking complexion, while the light, non-greasy texture makes it comfortable to layer with the rest of your Mela-Smart routine without feeling heavy on the skin.

  • Calecim

    Professional Pigment Solution

    5.0 out of 5.0 stars

    $148.00

    High-potency serum with PTT-6 plus pigment-fading actives to reduce dark spots and even skin tone.

    I think Calecim Professional Pigment Solution is so unique because it tackles both pigmentation and signs of aging at the same time. My clients love it, whether they’re dealing with dark spots and wrinkles, or acne scars with leftover pigmentation. It’s truly like a two-in-one solution that brightens and rejuvenates the skin.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Brighten and Even Your Skin Tone

    CALECIM Professional Pigment Solution targets stubborn discoloration, including sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Formulated without hydroquinone or retinoids, it is a gentle yet powerful serum that restores clarity and radiance for visibly brighter, more even-toned skin with no downtime. Use it morning and night across areas of uneven tone, adding a second layer on stubborn spots.

    Advanced Science for Fading Dark Spots

    This formula harnesses CALECIM’s proprietary stem cell-derived proteins, combined with proven brightening agents, to address pigmentation at the source. It works by calming inflammation, suppressing melanin overproduction, and strengthening the skin barrier, making it ideal for clients who have not responded well to other brightening products.

    Safe for All Skin Types and Tones

    Pigment Solution is suitable for daily use and safe for long-term maintenance. Free of hydroquinone, steroids, and exfoliating acids, it is well suited to sensitive, dry, and reactive skin types. It can also be used post-procedure to minimize pigmentation flare-ups and support skin healing. The formula contains no alcohol, fragrance, parabens, or silicone, which suits easily irritated skin.

    Clinical Results, Professional Confidence

    Used and recommended by aesthetic providers, this solution has been clinically tested to improve discoloration, even tone, and restore skin luminosity over time. With consistent use, most users see visible improvement in pigmentation within 8 to 12 weeks. It also addresses early signs of aging, so it works as a two-in-one brightening and rejuvenating step for dark spots, fine lines, and lingering acne marks.

  • GlyMed

    Radiant Serum

    5.0 out of 5.0 stars

    $85.00

    A gentle mandelic acid serum that brightens tone and smooths skin texture.

    I recommend the GlyMed Radiant Serum for mild congestion, uneven tone, and texture when the skin still needs to stay balanced. It helps keep the pores clearer and supports smoother skin without stripping it. I usually suggest this for clients who also have some pigmentation and are looking for gentle anti-aging support. A stronger mandelic percentage isn’t always better, it really depends on the skin, which is why I like this lower percentage option for people who don’t have significant acne or who may have more reactive skin.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Gently Exfoliates And Brightens Skin Tone

    GlyMed Radiant Serum is a lightweight exfoliating serum formulated with mandelic acid to help improve dullness and uneven skin tone. The gentle exfoliation helps remove surface buildup that can make skin appear tired, revealing a smoother and more luminous complexion. With 1% mandelic acid, it helps improve skin tone, texture, and pore clarity.

    Supports Balanced Skin Renewal

    Mandelic acid encourages healthy cell turnover while remaining gentle enough for many skin types. By reducing the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores, the formula helps maintain clearer skin and supports a smoother, more balanced skin environment. Its lower mandelic percentage suits skin that needs to stay balanced, including more reactive skin.

    Smooths Texture And Softens Fine Lines

    Hydrating ingredients and antioxidants help maintain moisture while the skin renews. With consistent use, skin texture becomes smoother, fine lines appear softened, and the complexion looks more even and refined while remaining comfortable and hydrated. Sodium hyaluronate helps attract and retain moisture for smoother skin, while green tea extract provides antioxidant protection that helps calm inflammation.

    Ideal For Acne-Prone Or Dull Skin

    Radiant Serum works well for individuals looking to improve uneven tone, mild congestion, or early signs of aging. Its lightweight texture layers easily within daily routines, making it a helpful option for maintaining smoother, brighter-looking skin without heavy formulas. Use it morning or evening, then follow with moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.

  • Hale & Hush

    Rare C Serum

    $64.00

    Gentle vitamin C serum for reactive skin that helps dullness, uneven tone, redness, and aging.

    Almost all of my reactive skin clients struggle to tolerate even the gentlest vitamin C serums, which is why I’m so glad I found Hale & Hush Rare C Serum for them. It was specifically formulated with reactive skin in mind, so clients can finally get antioxidant and brightening support without constantly irritating their skin by looking for one that works for them.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Stable Vitamin C for Sensitive, Reactive Skin

    Hale and Hush Rare C Serum is a daily vitamin C serum formulated for sensitive, reactive, and hyperpigmentation-prone skin that has not been able to tolerate traditional vitamin C formulas. It uses a highly stable, non-irritating form of vitamin C that penetrates deeper than standard ascorbic acid, supported by calming, hydrating, and barrier-strengthening actives. Fragrance-free, vegan, and non-comedogenic.

    Brightens Skin and Fades Discoloration

    Uneven tone, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation come from excess melanin production triggered by inflammation, UV exposure, and skin damage over time. Rare C Serum delivers a stable form of vitamin C that inhibits this process at the source, gradually fading existing discoloration and helping prevent new spots. With consistent use, skin tone looks more even, clear, and luminous.

    Refines Pores and Improves Skin Texture

    Enlarged pores and rough texture come partly from congestion and partly from a loss of structural support around each pore. Rare C Serum supports collagen production and helps clear the surface buildup that makes pores look larger. In clinical testing, consistent use reduced the appearance of pore size by 20% within four weeks.

    Supports Collagen and Reduces Fine Lines

    Vitamin C is an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis, the process that produces the structural protein keeping skin firm, smooth, and resilient. As vitamin C levels in the skin decline with age and UV exposure, collagen breaks down faster than it can be replaced. Rare C Serum replenishes this daily, supporting new collagen and helping fine lines appear softer.

  • Hale & Hush

    Rare Mandelic Serum

    $52.00

    8% mandelic acid serum that resurfaces, brightens, and clears sensitive and acne-prone skin.

    If your skin is reactive and also dealing with congestion, texture, breakouts, or post-acne marks, Hale & Hush Rare Mandelic Serum helps improve all of those concerns without irritation. I recommend it for clients who feel like most acne or exfoliating products are too harsh for their skin, and it also works well across all skin tones.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Exfoliates, Brightens, and Clears Without Irritation

    Hale and Hush Rare Mandelic Serum is an exfoliating corrective serum for texture, tone, and breakouts, formulated for daily use on sensitive and reactive skin. It combines 8% mandelic acid with stable vitamin C, a polyhydroxy acid, Swiss Stone Pine extract, and a fruit enzyme complex to resurface, brighten, and calm skin at the same time.

    Why Mandelic Acid Is Gentler Than Other AHAs

    Not all alpha hydroxy acids behave the same way. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule of any AHA, which lets it travel quickly and deeply, and some people with reactive skin find that causes stinging. Mandelic acid has a larger molecule that penetrates more slowly and evenly, which makes it gentler than glycolic acid. It suits sensitive skin, all skin tones, and acid beginners.

    Resurfaces Texture and Unclogs Pores

    Dead skin cells accumulate on the surface over time, creating rough texture, dullness, and congestion. Mandelic acid dissolves the bonds that hold these cells in place, clearing the surface and the pore lining at the same time. With consistent use, skin becomes progressively smoother, pores look clearer and more refined, and dullness fades over the first few weeks.

    Fades Dark Spots and Post-Acne Marks

    Post-acne marks and uneven tone can linger well after a breakout has healed. Rare Mandelic Serum addresses discoloration from two directions. Mandelic acid speeds up cell turnover, bringing more evenly pigmented skin to the surface, while a stable form of vitamin C inhibits the excess melanin production behind dark spots. Together they help fade existing marks over several weeks.

  • Hale & Hush

    Rare Retinal Serum

    $62.00

    Sensitive-skin-friendly serum for texture, acne, and signs of aging.

    If you want the benefits of vitamin A but your skin usually cannot tolerate retinoids, Rare Retinal Serum gives visible results without making the skin feel sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated. My reactive clients are often surprised that they can use this serum consistently without going through intense peeling, redness, or downtime.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Results Without Irritation or Downtime

    Hale and Hush Rare Retinal Serum is a vitamin A serum formulated for sensitive skin, including skin that has not tolerated retinol before. It uses retinaldehyde, a form of vitamin A one step closer to the form skin can use, which lets it work at a lower concentration with less likelihood of irritation or peeling. It helps soften fine lines and support collagen.

    What Makes Retinaldehyde Different From Retinol

    Not all vitamin A is the same. Retinol must be converted twice before skin can use it. Retinaldehyde requires only one conversion, which means it works faster and at a lower concentration, and some people find it causes less irritation. For sensitive skin, this makes consistent vitamin A use more achievable, especially if retinol has not suited you before.

    Reduces Fine Lines and Supports Collagen

    Vitamin A is one of the most well-researched anti-aging ingredients available because it directly stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover. Rare Retinal delivers these benefits through stabilized retinaldehyde that signals the skin to renew itself and produce new collagen. Fine lines become less visible, skin feels firmer, and elasticity improves with consistent nightly use over several weeks.

    Calms Redness and Evens Skin Tone

    Redness, uneven tone, and dullness are often byproducts of chronic low-grade inflammation and accumulated environmental damage. Rare Retinal addresses these concerns through anti-glycation actives that protect the skin's structural proteins, a plant stem cell extract that reduces micro-inflammation and evens out tone, and botanical brighteners that restore radiance. Skin looks calmer, more even, and more luminous with consistent use.

  • Vivant

    Redness & Texture Duo

    $304.00

    True Tone 2.0 and Rejuv Rx paired in Vivant's Post-Inflammatory Erythema Protocol for visible reduction in redness, PIE, and uneven tone in as little as 14 days.

    If you are dealing with PIE or PIH, the Vivant Redness and Texture Duo is a kit you can easily start from home. It addresses both the redness and the discoloration that linger after breakouts, which makes it ideal for acne-prone skin that also deals with uneven tone. And because Rejuv Rx supports collagen and True Tone 2.0 has a retinoid, you are also getting anti-aging benefits built into the routine.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Serum Duo for PIE, Redness, and Uneven Tone

    Vivant Redness and Texture Duo pairs True Tone 2.0 and Rejuv Rx in a dermatologist-developed protocol specifically designed for post-inflammatory erythema. Where most brightening serums address brown pigmentation, this duo targets the red, pink, and vascular discoloration that lingers after breakouts clear. True Tone 2.0 delivers hydroquinone-free brightening through a multi-acid and peptide system, while Rejuv Rx calms visible redness, supports collagen production, and improves skin resilience. Results for PIE visible in as little as 14 days.

    True Tone 2.0 Delivers Hydroquinone-Free Daily Brightening

    True Tone 2.0 was developed as the daily alternative for patients cycling off hydroquinone, or for anyone who needs continuous year-round brightening without the risk of rebound discoloration that hydroquinone can cause with prolonged use. Powered by Dr. James E. Fulton's patented REt (RP) Retinyl Propionate, which delivers visible results three times faster than traditional retinol, it also contains kojic acid, clinical mandelic acid, lactic acid, and Oligopeptide-68 to address uneven tone, discoloration, and texture simultaneously. Safe for continuous daily use and appropriate for melanin-rich skin.

    Clinically Designed PIE Protocol With 14-Day Results

    The Redness and Texture Duo is built around Vivant's Post-Inflammatory Erythema Protocol, a morning and evening regimen that uses True Tone 2.0 in the evening and Rejuv Rx in the morning to address PIE from two different angles simultaneously. Clinical before and after results from Vivant show visible reduction in PIE redness after 14 days of consistent use, making this one of the more targeted and effective topical options available for this specific and often stubborn concern.

    Rejuv Rx Calms PIE and Supports Skin Recovery

    Rejuv Rx brings the anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening components the True Tone 2.0 brightening system needs to work on PIE rather than only on brown pigment. Peptides calm irritation and reduce the appearance of visible redness at the source while supporting collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin over time. Niacinamide strengthens the barrier, reduces the look of pores, and contributes additional redness-calming benefits that complement the brightening action of True Tone 2.0 in the evening step.

  • Hydrinity

    RetaXome Retinal Boost Treatment Pads

    $90.00

    Retinal plus a 5-acid blend in leave-on pads that resurface, brighten, and clear congestion.

    If you have multiple concerns going on at once, like pigmentation, aging, texture, clogged pores, or mild acne, Hydrinity RetaXome Retinal Boost Treatment Pads have a little bit of everything and I think that makes them great for anyone at any age. Just don't overdo it. If you want vitamin A in your routine but don't want to commit to a daily or weekly retinoid or a larger routine, this is a perfect way to get it every three days without any additional steps. It's also great for travel when your skin starts acting out, and especially if you're not getting professional treatments monthly. It gives your routine that extra kick it needs to keep moving in the right direction.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Retinal and Five-Acid Pads With Exosome Delivery

    Hydrinity RetaXome Retinal Boost Treatment Pads are a next-generation at-home peel treatment combining a 5-acid exfoliation system with encapsulated biomimetic exosome-retinal technology. They resurface, renew, brighten, and support healthier-looking skin while targeting texture, fine lines, congestion, and uneven tone in a single leave-on treatment used every three days. No rinsing required.

    Retinal Delivered Deeper With Exosome Technology

    Retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, which means it can work at a lower concentration, and some people find it gentler on their skin. RetaXome Technology encapsulates the retinal inside a biomimetic exosome system that enhances its delivery and stability. Rather than relying on passive absorption, this technology actively supports penetration for more consistent renewal with every application.

    Five-Acid Blend Resurfaces and Brightens at Every Use

    RetaXome Pads combine five acids in one step. Glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, and gluconolactone each address a different aspect of skin renewal, from surface brightness and texture to pore clearing and barrier support. Used together every three days, they deliver progressive improvement across multiple concerns without needing a separate exfoliant for each.

    Clears Congestion and Targets Breakout-Related Bacteria

    Acne-prone skin benefits from exfoliation that works both at the surface and inside the pore lining. The salicylic acid in the 5-acid blend penetrates oil-filled pores to dissolve the congestion behind blackheads and breakouts, while Oligopeptide-10, a targeted antimicrobial peptide, addresses the bacteria associated with inflammatory acne. Together they suit skin managing both active congestion and aging concerns.

  • Face Reality

    Retinal B3 Serum

    4.7 out of 5.0 stars

    $54.00

    Retinaldehyde serum that smooths lines and improves texture, especially if you are new to retinoids.

    Retinal B3 Serum is one of my favorite next steps once acne is under control. Unlike many retinoids at this price point, it’s formulated with ingredients that help offset dryness and irritation, so it feels more balanced. It not only supports clear skin by preventing new breakouts and calming inflammation, but also helps with oil control, fading dark spots, and softening early signs of aging.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Handle Breakouts, Texture, and Aging

    Face Reality Retinal B3 Serum is a next-generation retinoid formula designed to smooth texture, clear congested pores, and fade post-acne marks while keeping irritation low. It is made specifically for breakout-prone skin that also wants age-fighting benefits in one serum. It makes a smart next step once breakouts are under control.

    Powered by Retinaldehyde and Niacinamide

    This formula pairs retinaldehyde, a potent vitamin A derivative, with 5% niacinamide to visibly refine skin while supporting barrier health. It helps reduce clogged pores, breakouts, fine lines, and discoloration, making it a true multitasker for complex skin needs. Glycolic acid also helps exfoliate the skin's surface.

    Gentle Enough for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

    Retinal B3 Serum is formulated to deliver retinaldehyde without major dryness or flaking. The retinaldehyde is encapsulated for slow, controlled delivery, which lowers the risk of irritation or purging while your skin gets the benefits of vitamin A. Start two to three nights a week, then build toward nightly use as your skin adjusts.

    Fits Into Acne or Brightening Routines

    Retinal B3 Serum suits those who already use exfoliants or benzoyl peroxide and are ready to add a retinoid. It works well alongside other acne products and helps maintain clear skin while improving long-term tone, texture, and skin resilience. For extra hydration, apply HydraBalance or HydraRemedy first, let it dry, then apply Retinal B3 and follow with moisturizer.

  • Face Reality

    Retinol Peptide Serum

    4.8 out of 5.0 stars

    $60.00

    Retinol and peptide blend that firms, brightens, and smooths skin, for those already used to a retinoid.

    This retinol serum helps with anti-aging and perfect once inflamed acne has cleared. It helps with general skin texture, fades PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and smoothes fine lines. I also recommend it to clients with non-inflamed acne or anyone looking to rejuvenate and even out skin tone. It can also be layered over a glycolic serum for more stubborn concerns. Make sure that your skin is ready.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Works on Texture, Tone, and Aging Skin

    Face Reality Retinol Peptide Serum is designed for experienced retinoid users who want to smooth fine lines, brighten skin tone, and maintain clear pores. It contains 1% retinol, which suits skin that already tolerates retinoids well and is ready for a higher strength. It works best once inflamed acne has cleared.

    Strength Meets Support for Long-Term Skin Health

    This formula combines 1% microencapsulated retinol with firming peptides and antioxidant-rich botanicals. It helps reduce breakouts, smooth rough texture, fade discoloration, and improve visible signs of aging, without sacrificing barrier support. Copper lysinate/prolinate, an anti-aging ingredient, can help boost collagen production, while peptides help signal the skin to repair, firm, and rebuild itself.

    Designed for Skin That Can Tolerate More

    Retinol Peptide Serum is best for those already accustomed to retinoids or other actives. The encapsulated retinol minimizes irritation while peptides and hydrators help maintain balance, comfort, and resilience throughout consistent use. Start two to three nights a week, then build toward nightly use as your skin adjusts, following with moisturizer or HydraBalance.

    Complements Advanced Skincare Routines

    This serum fits well into acne recovery, age-prevention, or pigment-targeting routines. It pairs well with calming serums, mandelic acid, or hydrating support, and is an ideal nighttime step for more seasoned skin. For more stubborn texture, it can also be layered over a glycolic serum, and it helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.

  • iS Clinical

    Super Serum Advance+

    5.0 out of 5.0 stars

    $177.00

    Supports collagen, boosts firmness, and helps reduce discoloration for smoother, more even-toned skin.

    My clients with concerns about dull, uneven skin tone, texture, and early signs of aging absolutely love the iS Clinical Super Serum! They often mention how great it feels on the skin, providing a boost in brightness without any irritation. The serum is a go-to for them when they want an overall brighter, healthier-looking complexion with consistent use. This has quickly become a favorite for its visible results and gentle yet effective approach!

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Transform Skin With Potent Antioxidant Power

    Super Serum Advance+ is a high-performance vitamin C serum designed to visibly improve skin tone, firmness, and texture. This multitasking formula combines stabilized L-ascorbic acid with cutting-edge peptides to fight signs of aging while supporting a healthy, glowing complexion. Kojic acid joins the blend to help fade dark spots and even out uneven tone.

    Clinically Proven To Lift, Brighten, and Firm

    At its core, Super Serum Advance+ uses 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to brighten dull skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and support collagen synthesis. It is paired with copper tripeptide growth factor, which visibly improves skin firmness and elasticity over time. Together they address fine lines, firmness, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in one step.

    Target Fine Lines, Pigmentation, and Acne Scars

    This serum does more than just brighten; it actively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fades acne scars, and improves uneven pigmentation. Its advanced delivery system ensures deep penetration, so results build quickly and last with continued use. Many clients notice a brighter, healthier-looking complexion and appreciate how comfortable it feels on the skin.

    A Staple for All Skin Types, All Ages

    Whether you are concerned with aging, scarring, or dullness, Super Serum Advance+ is a universal staple. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic, it layers easily under SPF or moisturizer and fits seamlessly into morning or evening routines. After cleansing, dab three to four drops over the face and neck, then follow with sunscreen by day or moisturizer at night.

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