[ AXIS-Y ] Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml

RECOMMENDED FOR: Skin left with red or brown marks after breakouts, skin dulled by sun exposure, sensitive breakout-prone skin

PERFECT FOR: When acne marks and pigmentation leave your tone uneven, and you want a lightweight 5% niacinamide dark spot serum

AM: At the essence step, pump 1-2 times and spread thinly over your whole face focusing on problem areas, then pat to absorb. Use sunscreen during the day.

PM: Use the same way in the evening as in the morning; suitable for daily use with no morning/evening distinction.

A clear, jelly-like water-gel that bursts with moisture on application and absorbs silky. Rosemary leaf oil at the end of the ingredient list gives a subtle, refreshing scent.

Niacinamide 5% (50,000ppm), Glutathione, Plant-Based Squalane, Rice Bran Extract, Papaya Fruit Extract, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract, Acerola Fruit Extract, Calendula Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin

- Niacinamide 5% & Glutathione: inhibit melanin transfer to the epidermis to fade pigmentation, acne marks, and UV-related dark spots
- Plant-Based Squalane: forms a thin moisture-evaporation barrier for a natural inner glow with no shine
- Papaya, Sea Buckthorn & Acerola Extracts: gently refine dead skin and supply vitamins to brighten a dull, tired complexion

A Brightening Functional Serum with 5% Niacinamide + Glutathione and 20 Million Units Sold

AXIS-Y's Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. Niacinamide 5% and glutathione inhibit melanin transfer to the epidermis to fade pigmentation, acne marks, and UV dark spots, while plant-based squalane adds a non-shiny inner glow. The brand positions it as a brightening functional product, and a human trial confirmed a 22% improvement after 2 weeks.

A clear, jelly-like water-gel that bursts with moisture on application and absorbs silky. Per the brand, 20 million units have been sold cumulatively and it has ranked No.1 in Olive Young's skincare category, making it AXIS-Y's flagship bestseller.

PICK NO.3 RATING
BRIGHTENING: 4/5
SENSITIVITY: 4/5

WHY WE PICKED IT: A clearly stated 5% niacinamide content, a 22% improvement after 2 weeks in a human trial, and a track record of 20 million units sold and Olive Young No.1 made this an easy pick.

CLINICAL RESULTS: Marketed as a brightening functional product (per the brand). Human trial: improvement confirmed after 3 days of use and a 22% improvement after 2 weeks; completed a sensitive-skin suitability test (per brand announcement); vegan formula.

SAFETY NOTES: A patch test is recommended before using with vitamin A (retinol) or high-concentration AHA/BHA, and use sunscreen alongside if exposed to direct sunlight during use. Consult a doctor if red spots, swelling, or itching occur, keep it out of the eyes, and avoid broken skin.

GLOBAL SALES: Per the brand, 20 million units sold cumulatively (5 million in 2023 alone), No.1 in Olive Young's skincare category, and top sales rankings on YesStyle and StyleKorean.

AWARDS: No.1 in Olive Young's skincare category; top sales rankings on YesStyle and StyleKorean.

PICKER'S COMMENT: "Reviewers report the redness of acne scars fading noticeably, no stickiness or pilling even before makeup, and clearly improved skin texture."

USAGE DURATION: Roughly 2-2.5 months' worth at 50ml with twice-daily use (36 months before opening, 12 months after opening).

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide (50,000ppm), Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Erythritol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Chlorphenesin, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Glutathione, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil (50ml (1.69 fl. oz.) airless pump tube)

Q. Is it a brightening functional product?
A. Yes, the brand positions it as a brightening functional product, and the Korean official store labels it for skin brightening and hydration.

Q. Are there clinical results?
A. A human trial confirmed improvement after 3 days of use and a 22% improvement after 2 weeks.

Q. Does it have a scent?
A. It has no artificial fragrance ingredient, but rosemary leaf oil at the end of the ingredient list gives a subtle scent.

Q. Can I use it with retinol?
A. A patch test is recommended before using it with vitamin A (retinol) or high-concentration AHA/BHA.

Q. Who is this best for?
A. Skin with acne marks and pigmentation, skin dulled by sun exposure, sensitive breakout-prone skin

Q. Is there anyone who should skip this one?
A. If you are very sensitive to scent, note this has a subtle scent from rosemary leaf oil.