Oct 12

Oct 12 PRODUCT REVIEW: GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM - ONE OF THE BEST BRIGHTENING SERUMS

PM Regimen, AM Regimen, clean beauty, acne marks, dark spots, oily skin, brightening serums, clean skincare, facial treatments, hyperpigmentation, brightening

GOOD MOLECULES | DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM

In case you haven’t noticed, Good Molecules has stepped up their game. And everyone else’s game, too!

Recently, the brand began discolisign the exact concentrations of every ingredient in their formulas. Literally every single ingredient. Not just the fun ones. Not the marketing angles. Not the most potent actives. But every ingredient — from water to all the weird sounding stabilizers and preservatives at the very end of the INCI.

For the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum, the brand shares the entire formula, comprised of just 12 ingredients:

Water - 77.0% / Butylene Glycol - 5.0% / Propanediol - 5.0% / Glycerin - 5.0% / Niacinamide - 4.0% / Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate - 2.0% / Cetyl Alcohol - 0.8% / Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum - 0.4% / Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum - 0.4% / Phenoxyethanol - 0.2% / Ethylhexylglycerin - 0.1% / Caprylyl Glycol - 0.1%.

Seriously, that’s pretty cool. It doesn’t make it a perfect skincare formula, though.

For example, I’m no fan of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, neither of which are very good for the skin in higher concentrations, or when applied to skin across multiple products including them.

What is Tranexamic Acid?

“Tranexamic acid is a synthetic amino acid derived from lysine. Topically, tranexamic acid works by interrupting at least two pathways in skin that, left unchecked, can lead to discolorations, including larger patches known as melasma. Tranexamic acid also seems to work within skin’s surface layers to make skin color less susceptible to UV light exposure (but of course, you still need sunscreen) and may also reduce redness.
Recent, double-blind and comparative research has shown that topical tranexamic acid in amounts between 2-5% rivals results of over-the-counter amounts of hydroquinone, long considered the gold standard for fading skin discolorations. If you’re using a hydroquinone product for lightening, you can add a product with tranexamic acid and potentially see even better results.
Comparative studies have shown tranexamic acid has greater tolerability than hydroquinone, although the latter is generally well tolerated when used as directed.
Research has shown that tranexamic acid is safe when applied to skin every day for several months. Topical concentrations between 2-5% typically shows results after two to three months of once- or twice-daily usage.
Note: Because tranexamic acid is a water soluble ingredient, it needs to be used in skin care products with oil-soluble ingredients designed to improve its penetration into skin.”
- The Paula’s Choice Research Team

But, Good Molecules’ skin discoloration serum is a solid enough formula that can and should even out skin tone and brighten the complexion. With 4% Niacinamide and 2% Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate (a derivative of Tranexamic Acid) it has the potency to do that.

Of course, as you can see it’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free and vegan, too. And with a pH of 5.5, it can help to rebalance skin to maintain optimum health.

At just $12 for an honest, straightforward product, it’s worth the investment. I gotta give it up for Good Molecules for doing something very few brands have the guts to do!

SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum for $12 here.

BUY GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM