Topicals Faded – Review

This post will review the Topicals Faded serum.

Anyone, particularly women of colour, that struggles with hyperpigmentation knows how difficult it can be to get effective products.

More often than not, single-ingredient serums are typically not adequate. This is why many people stay clear of Vitamin C serums.

Yes, they are great for uneven skin tone, but if it is not combined with any other tyrosinase inhibitors, it is not entirely adequate.

Again, this depends on the type of pigmentation you have.

Vitamin C can work for fresh acne scars, but the older the scars get, the more ingredients will be needed to supplement them.

Over the years, I’ve tried various serums targeting hyperpigmentation. But a good percentage of them haven’t exactly been effective.

After a while, I stopped chasing after every new release and just upgraded to prescription-strength skincare.

So far, my hyperpigmentation has shifted using 20% Azelaic Acid and 0.25% Tretinoin.

But then I heard about Topicals Faded, and it immediately went into my wishlist.

A serum formulated by Women of Colour which combines multiple effective ingredients to tackle hyperpigmentation?

Count me in!

Just when I received my new batch of 20% Azelaic Acid, I finally got my hands on my first tube of the Tropical Faded serum, which I have been using for about six months.

Best believe I haven’t touched my Azelaic Acid all this time.

It’s been an interesting six months, and I’m ready to share my thoughts now.

First Impressions of the Topicals Faded Serum

According to Topicals:

Dark spots or discoloration? 

This hyperpigmentation-safe serum visibly reduces stubborn discoloration, post-blemish marks, scars, and spots—for all ethnicities and skin shades. Gentle enough for daily use, it produces visible results in as little as two weeks. 

Faded has a sulfur-like smell. 

Ingredient List & Fragrance

One of the best things, or perhaps the only best thing about this product, is the combination of ingredients.

The serum shines because it combines some of the most effective tyrosinase inhibitors.

They work by reducing the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the production of melanin. Melanin is produced in cells called melanocytes in the skin’s epidermis. When stimulated, these cells produce more melanin, which can lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

SOURCE

These ingredients include:

• Niacinamide
• Tranexamic Acid
• Alpha Arbutin
• Kojic Acid
• Azelaic Acid
• Licorice Root Extract
• Glutathione

Individually, these ingredients are quite effective, given that you use them consistently.

But together, they’re a powerhouse.

Other key ingredients that support the delivery of tyrosinase inhibitors include:

• Glycerin
• Shea Butter
• Jojoba Seed Oil
• Tumeric Butter
• Squalane
• Allantoin
• Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
• Tocopherol
• Arginine
• Melatonin

When you look at how much money you’ll pay for each single ingredient serum, whatever price Topicals asks for is well-deserved.

Fragrance

I’m not sure you have heard, but if you haven’t, you’ll be happy to know that the Faded serum smells terrible.

Yes, it is alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free, but this means you’ll be smelling the raw ingredients.

The lack of fragrance just jumps in your face, and you must deal with it until it dissipates.

I had to hold my breath while applying the serum for the first few weeks.

One day, I couldn’t take the smell anymore and had to tweet at them.

See their response below:

Damn @topicals why does your product smell SO BAD???

A little fragrance will not hurt.

— E.✨ (@ebunandlife) February 14, 2023

Faded gets its smell from Glutathione, an ingredient with a sulfur-like smell that effectively reduces the appearance of discoloration in weeks! We added ethylene brassylate, a fragrance compound safe to use for sensitive skin, to help with the scent.

— TOPICALS (@topicals) February 14, 2023

Interestingly, I found out that the smell dissipates over time, or maybe I just got used to it. Either way, it wasn’t as pungent anymore.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency

The Faded Topicals serum is packaged in a squeeze tube. It comes into sizes: a 15ml mini and a 50ml regular.

I’m not a massive fan of the packaging, but if it retains the product’s potency, I don’t mind it.

To ensure this serum can be tolerated across all skin types, the formula has a lightweight consistency that immediately absorbs and moisturizes the skin on application.

It’s honestly not much different from any other serum on the market except that it is pretty moisturizing,

I was expecting it to be more hydrating, but it’s all good, as I can easily skip my moisturizer in the summertime.

Price & Availability

As impressive as this serum is, it is only available in the US, and you have to pay an extortionate price to get it shipped wherever you are.

My first tube was gifted by a friend who couldn’t stand the smell, but I got my second tube from Amazon.

Yes, Topicals has an official Amazon store. You just need to pay for international shipping. If I were you, I’d get a couple of tubes to save money.

Review of the Topicals Faded Serum

Like every new product, I started slowly to see if my skin agreed with it. I was surprised by how gentle it was, so I had no irritation.

After a few weeks, I started using it more frequently, and now I can use it daily with Tretinoin with no adverse effects.

Topicals recommends starting once a week and working your way up to daily use, which I completely agree with.

While the serum is potent, it is not harsh and also great for sensitive skin.

So start slowly and see if your skin agrees with it before increasing the frequency.

Performance

I’ve used several serums for hyperpigmentation, and one thing is sure: you need to be patient.

Depending on the gravity of your hyperpigmentation, you can get results from anywhere between two to six weeks.

This also applies to the Topicals Faded serum.

I didn’t start to see results until after consistently using it for about six to eight weeks. Then gradually, my old pigmentation started to lift.

It goes without saying you need to be patient with this product. I’m sure you have seen tons of progress photos across the internet.

Yes, it works extremely well, but patience is key.

So, start slowly, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen religiously; otherwise, your progress will be delayed.

In Conclusion

If you’re struggling with dark spots and hyperpigmentation, you must try Topicals Faded. It is affordable compared to buying individual serums, as it also works across all skin types.