Topicals faded serum for dark spots and discoloration

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As Supreme is to hypebeasts everywhere, the Topicals Faded gel and Like Butter mask have become almost collector's items in the skin-care space. Despite launching during the summer only last year, Topicals has quickly developed a cultlike following and is rarely in stock—both on its own website and on other retailers'. In fact, the brand landed on sephora.com this week and promptly sold out in just 45 minutes. 

The brand—which consists of only two products at the moment—is worth the hype. I was personally drawn to it for its hyper-targeted products (one for acne and dark marks, one for eczema) and its mission to make skin flare-ups fun. No preachy skin positivity to be found; the brand is all about working with what you've got, and making the most of breakouts and flare-ups, societal expectations be damned. Plus, the packaging is cute as hell and looks fab on Instagram and in my bathroom. And the fact that it's founded by two women of color under 25 years old is the icing on top of the cake. 

There's also the fact that the products are insanely good. I've been using Topicals Faded gel since the brand launched, and it's one of the best things I've tried all year (let alone while testing for the Glamour Beauty Awards). As the name implies, the gel-serum's main goal is to gently fade dark marks and acne scars, but it can also be used to fight off any active acne you have going on. A combination of kojic, azelaic, and tranexamic acids is where the product gets most of its fading powers, while niacinamide fights inflammation and evens skin tone, cica calms, and licorice root brightens. (On its website, Topicals has an excellent breakdown of exactly what each ingredient does, if you're curious.)

I'm currently dealing with both active acne and a constellation of red marks from years-old breakouts. The scars are pretty much all over my face, but the clusters concentrated on each cheek from a particularly painful breakout are what bother me the most. The brand recommends using Faded daily all over your face, but since I'm on a prescription acne topical that combines retinol and benzoyl peroxide, I use it about three times a week only on my scars so it doesn't overwhelm my face. I've never experience any irritation or purging, but you should know that it is an intense product. I'd recommend easing into it by using it a few times a week and building up to every day, just to be safe. 

Be warned that since the product contains sulfur and is fragrance-free, it smells a little crazy. As in, I gagged the first time I opened the tube. After a few uses I got used to it, and I know the brand has since reformulated so it's less of a strong scent, but still, it's something to be aware of. 

However, it's worth it, I promise. Over the past six months or so that I've been using Faded by Topicals on and off, I've noticed a significant lightening of many of my scars. They aren't totally gone, but they are way less noticeable, which is incredible for marks that old. The real proof is in the before-and-after photos: I took these shots of a newer scar three weeks apart, after using the gel about three times a week. The mark is still fading, but the difference is pretty undeniable. (And looks even more clear in person—shout-out to New York City apartment lighting.) 

Before. 

After.

At only $36, it's an easy price to pay for feeling a little better in my own skin, that is if I can get my hands on a tube. 

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Topicals Faded Serum

Looking for more incredible product recommendations? Check out all 265 winners from the 2021 Glamour Beauty Awards. 

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.

eBay item number:

353473289870

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Item specifics

New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is ...

Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Acne Scars, Acne, Blemishes

Niacinamide, Licorice Root, Tranexamic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Melatonin

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Back, Chest, Face, Full Body, Neck

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