When to use good molecules discoloration correcting serum

Hello all! I received this updated version of the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum and wanted to show you some swatches, explain the formulation update and my thoughts!

Available from the Good Molecules Website: LINK

• My Previous Review of the 1% Discolouration Correcting Serum: LINK

What is it?: A Brightening Serum that helps with Skin Discolouration and Pigmentation (i.e. PIH and Brown Spots).

Size: 30ml

Vegan?: Yes

Cruelty-Free?: Yes

pH: 5.5 (Shouldn’t sting)

Fragrance and EO Free?: Yes

What makes this different to the previous Discolouration Correcting Serum?:

The previous version contained an advanced version of Tranexamic Acid (This helps block certain enzymes that cause melanin production and leads to discolouration on the skin). The Advanced Version is called: Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate.

HOWEVER, this updated formulation; instead of containing just 1% of Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate now contains 3%; which means it should be more efficient and work quicker at reducing skin pigmentation and discolouration. This also contains 4% Niacinamide which helps brighten the skin and also helps reduce pigmentation.

So overall, this improved Serum Formulation also helps with Post-Blemish Hyperpigmentation, Brown Spots from Sun Damage and Acne Scars.

My Review of the Previous Version and a deeper dive into Cetyl Tranexamate is HERE.

Directions: ”Apply a few drops morning and night before oils and moisturisers. Can be used daily.”

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Does Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate Work?:

In this 2020 Research Paper, Scientists looked into Cetyl Tranexamate and its efficacy vs Tranexamic Acid.

Cetyl Tranexamate is basically trying to be a ”safer” (I.e. it’s harder to over-do it with this ingredient) alternative to skin brighteners such as Hydroquinone.

They used 2% of Cetyl Tranexamate on 54 Volunteers (Male and Female). They assessed if there was any improvement in skin pigmentation i.e Melanin, using pictures and questionnaires. 35 Women applied the Serum x2 a day for 8 weeks.

The results showed that no skin issues occurred and Skin pigmentation improved ”significantly” from the beginning to the end of the study: A reduction in 16.9% Melanin in 8 weeks). The pictures taken showed on Average, 2 Weeks into applying the cream, the volunteers already started to notice an improvement in skin tone and a reduction in dark spots (78.6%).

So, this isn’t a definitive study that proves Cetyl Tranexamate can now replace Tranexamic Acid or any other proven Skin lightener BUT it shows good promise as a companion to a brightening skin routine! And as this includes Niacinamide (5% is the most effective and this is at 4%), there must be some skin tone evening out.

Packaging:

A Glass Bottle with a Dropper. It doesn’t leak and actually picks up quite a good amount of product. If you see the picture below; the ingredient percentages are also laid out, so you can see how much active ingredients you’re getting. Of course it’s great to be transparent but do understand that some of these % are so low that they wont actually do much for the skin. Luckily what we’re looking at; the Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate is at 3% and the Niacinamide is at 4%, which should provide some gentle changes to the skin.

I do really like that they’ve explained what they’ve done, improved and changed with the new formula on the box!

Texture:

• This is at first an opaque, lightweight gel liquid that smooths out on the skin. As you can see this has almost an iridescent quality

• This is almost gel-like. It spreads along the skin and absorbs quite quick into an almost-tacky finish. This doesn’t make the skin feel like it can’t breathe. There’s no greasy finish with this either, and is also lightly hydrating!

Good For: All Skin Types (Even Sensitive Skins).

Note: A full Ingredient Breakdown is available at the Incidecoder HERE

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In Conclusion:

• I would not depend on this serum SOLELY to lighten any pigmentation or brown spots BUT I would gladly use it to accompany my Vitamin C serum for instance, or my Hada Labo Alpha Arbutin Essence, or using this on alternative days to retinol.
• I will continue to use this until completion. Mainly because it layers well, I like the addition of Niacinamide and it is mildly hydrating.

Other Products that contain Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate:

Chantecaille – Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate PM Serum: LINK (However the CTM % isn’t stated). This contains Numerous Well-Ageing Peptides to help stimulate collagen production (keep the skin firm).

Live Tinted – Superhue Hyperpigmentation Serum Stick: LINK (The CTM % isn’t stated here either). 5% Niacinamide is included to help with skin brightening. 1% Bakuchiol is added (Retinol alternative), and Vitamin E (Oil-soluble version) is added to help with dark spots and pigmentation.

Other Skin-Brightening Products:

Western Dupe: The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin Serum: LINK(Alpha Arbutin, like Tranexamic Acid, helps reduce dark pigmentation in the skin).

J-Beauty Dupe: Rohto Mentholatum – Hada Labo Shirojyun Whitening Milky Lotion: LINK – This also contains Tranexamic Acid and Vitamin C Phosphate (A Vitamin C Derivative)

K-Beauty Dupe: The Ti’AM Vita B3 Source Brightening Serum: LINK– This contains Tranexamic Acid + Niacinamide)

Youtube Video: TIA’M Brightening Serum Swatch + Review

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My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

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