This Celimax serum has a milky texture, halfway between a fluid and a light emulsion. A few drops are enough to cover the face; it absorbs with a patting motion and leaves neither a sticky film nor shine. It has its place morning and evening, between the toner and the cream, in a routine aimed at dark spots and skin texture.
A Korean dark spot serum with niacinamide and tranexamic acid
Two actives open the ingredient list, right after water, glycerin and butylene glycol. Niacinamide is one of the best-documented ingredients for evening out the look of the complexion; it also helps regulate the look of shine and make pores less visible. Tranexamic acid, widely used in Asian skincare, is aimed at brown spots and darker areas. The duo works on the look of marks left by the sun or by past blemishes.
The rest of the formula is aimed at comfort, with no spectacular promise: loquat leaf, spearmint, bisabolol and sodium hyaluronate. Allow several weeks of regular use before judging the result, and be aware that it only holds if the skin is protected from the sun every day. To see the brand's other skincare, open the Celimax collection.
How to use
- After cleansing and toner, place one to two drops in the palms of your hands.
- Smooth over the face, then press lightly to help absorption. Focus on marked areas without rubbing.
- Follow with your moisturiser, then, in the morning, a high-SPF sunscreen.
It combines easily with a hydrating serum or a vitamin C in the morning. On evenings when you use an acid exfoliant, alternate if your skin tingles.
Which skin is it for?
It suits combination to oily skin, dull or uneven complexions and people bothered by visible pores on the nose and cheeks. Dry skin will use it under a richer cream. The formula lists no fragrance, but it contains spearmint extract: very reactive skin should test on a small area. For a complete programme, browse the dark spots and glow selection.
Product details
- Size: 30 ml
- Brand: Celimax
- Product type: face serum
- Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone, Glycereth-26, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Sorbitan Oleate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Extract, Tromethamine, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Bisabolol, Sodium Hyaluronate.
- Country of manufacture: South Korea
- Precautions for use: external use only. Do a patch test on the wrist or neck before first use. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not apply to broken skin. Stop if redness persists. Keep out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Morning or evening?
Both. In the morning, it must always be followed by sunscreen, otherwise the spots keep darkening.
How long before I see a difference?
The radiance shows fairly quickly. For the look of dark spots, allow several weeks of daily application.
Can I use it with retinol?
Yes, by applying the serum first and then the retinol, or by splitting them between morning and evening.
Does it really tighten pores?
Pores neither open nor close. Niacinamide helps make them less visible by limiting the shiny look of the area.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Its actives are generally well tolerated. A slight tingling may appear in the first few days; if it persists, space out the applications.
A discreet bottle and a texture you forget about: add it to your routine to support, day after day, a clearer-looking complexion. Skin that wants a finer texture will find more skincare in the even complexion and pores selection.
