Naruko Am+Pm Super Triple HA + B3 Brightening Complex

Packaging/Pricing:

 

30ml (1.05fl.oz) for 35$ (naruko). It is not a cheap product, but it is still affordable, considering they always offer promotions on the website. Opaque tube is perfect for storing a serum. Overall design is sleek and minimalistic. I have to mention that the outer packaging (paper cylinder) is rather cool looking.

Ingredients:

 

Water, Niacinamid, Tranexamic Acid, Glycosphingolipids, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethanolamine, Glycerin/Glyceryl Polyacrylate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Chlorphenesin, Ceramide 3, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 6 II, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Fragrance, Sodium Citrate, Alcohol, Essential Oils of Lavender, Ho Wood, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Essential Oils of Marjoram, Thyme. 

Excellent (only beneficial ingredients, proven research)

Good (mostly beneficial, not extensive research or just not quite outstanding properties)

OK (mostly thickeners, emulsifiers, mild preservatives, pH adjusters, all that is necessary, but not a skincare per se) 

Bad (irritants and anything bad that shouldn't be in skincare, usually fragrance)

Ingredients Discussion:

 

I have mixed feeling about this serum. On the one hand, the first half of ingredient list is beyond amazing, but on the other, the second half is beyond awful. This is a brightening complex that promises to eliminate dark spots, which it really can do, due to the presence of niacinamide and tranexamic acid in very high concentrations (they are second and third ingredients on the list). It also features glycosphingolipids, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which work as skin-identical components and keep skin protective barrier intact and skin well moisturised. Unfortunately, presence of a great amount of essential oils makes my excitement to go down.

 

Consumer Thoughts:

 

I have been using this serum for about three months. I do think it helped lighten my hyper pigmentation. However, I do keep using other skin care products with skin lightening ingredients, so it is hard to say for sure which one is actually working. I haven't experienced any irritation, but I am concerned that in a long run all of these essential oils can cause a low grade irritation (which can eventually "eat" at collagen and elastin). Serum has a very light non sticky watery texture and feels weightless on the skin. It doesn't offer a lot of moisture, so it is perfect for layering morning or night. Blend of essential oils gives this product very herbal but light fragrance.

Verdict:

 

I am quite torn about how to grade this product. I am really impressed with all the beneficial ingredients included, and with results I saw. Nevertheless, it is impossible to give this serum a high grade. For a short time (while one tube lasts) it is fine to use it as a pigmentation lightening product. However, I would not recommend to keep using it for a long period of time. And definitely it should be paired with other skin care products that have calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

3,5-4 out of 5.