This is a sponsored (paid) post. Please note that referral links or codes may be used.
Although this review is coming a little belatedly, I’ve actually used and loves the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum for a long time – hence why I’m so excited to be writing this! This is one of AXIS-Y‘s best sellers for a reason. I’ve really enjoyed it as part of both my morning and evening skincare routines, seeing both immediate and longer term brightening results. It also performs very well underneath makeup, which is a definitely plus.
If you’re after something to target dark spots or uneven skin tone, I’d definitely recommend this little gem! The Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is available at AXIS-Y for USD$22, or in some of their sets too.
Read on in this review to find out more about the product, formula and my personal experiences!
Product Description
Described as a 5% Niacinamide-based serum, this product claims to help correct dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. Additionally, it uses plant-derived Squalane to assist in moisture retention for a glowing, healthy complexion. The intention behind developing this formula was create visible improvements with every application. It’s suitable for all skin types, though is especially targeted for oily skin and those concerned with acne, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture.
I’ve been using this serum both morning and night – it integrated so easily into my routines and is also gentle enough for daily use. Again part of the 611 series, below is a break down of the ingredients and their effects:
Base Ingredients
- Squalane: Fights off free radicals for a youthful appearance
- Papaya: Works to brighten sun damaged skin and dark eye circles
- Sea Buckthorn (see NOTE): Rich in Vitamin C, this brightens skin and reduces dark spots
- Rice Bran: Smooths and brightens complexion
- Allantoin: Stimulates cell reproduction and tissue growth
- Calendula: Helps to speed up the healing of blemishes and acne scars
Core Ingredient
- Niacinamide (5%): This is a water soluble vitamin, and works to improve uneven skin tone, dullness, and a weakened skin barrier
Effective Technology
- Niacinamide + Rice Bran: The combination of these two brightening ingredients (in a specific ratio mix), gives this formula a ‘tone up’ functionality
NOTE: Sea Buckthorn is sometimes also known as ‘Vitamin Tree,’ as it contains up to twelve times the amount of Vitamin C in an orange (and other vitamins and nutrients). I’ve also been advised in the past that this is a much gentler source of VC and is a good option for sensitive skin. That being said, I’m one of the rare people that have had reactions to Sea Buckthorn in the past, but even I had no adverse reactions to the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum.
Packaging
The Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum has a similar unit carton design as other AXIS-Y products, so I’ll go straight into the actual packaging.
The product comes housed in a soft plastic tube with a plastic pump dispenser with a flat cap, making it easily to stand on your vanity. I think that this is actually an interesting decision for a serum but I like it! Compared to a typical dropper, the pump is fuss-free and quicker to use, as you don’t need to worry about unscrewing caps and picking up the correct amount. It’s easy to control how much product you use too (I typically use 1-2 pumps). This type of packaging also minimises the risk of breakage and spills, making it a great travel option.
Overall, I like the packaging. The simple typographic print design is modern and the plastic material is also a good quality too. It doesn’t feel flimsy and the printing hasn’t faded for me. The only downside to this would be the opacity – it’s hard to know how much product is left inside, and the soft plastic mostly retains shape in comparison to aluminium tubes. However, I don’t think it’s too much of an issue as you can always squeeze the product from the base to avoid too much product wastage.
Personal Experiences
As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoy using this product! The packaging is well designed and functional, and the formula is great. The serum has a lightweight, gel texture that is soothing on first application and gives skin an immediate boost of hydration – the latter which is the main reason I like using this in my morning routine. It absorbs well and doesn’t leave any tacky finish either, meaning that it’s great for people who like to layer skincare or want something that won’t affect makeup application.
Per the product description, I definitely saw results in regards to lightening pigmentation; in particular acne scarring. The serum does improve skin texture almost immediately but, from my experience, took around a week to start seeing significant lightening of newer acne scars. For darker pigmentation, this make take longer but… trust the process.
I especially like that this product can brighten my skin without causing any sensitivity! In fact, my skin always feels more nourished and hydrated after using it, no doubt because the added Squalane is helping to improve moisture retention. It also feels like my break outs are healing faster when ever I used this serum too, though I don’t think it’s by a super significant amount.
Here’s the verdict!
SO WHAT IS IT?
A gel-type serum to help correct dark spots and improve uneven skin tone
THE GOOD
- Highly functional packaging design that is also suitable for travel purposes
- Pump dispenser – no fuss and easy to control
- Performs well for bth a layered skincare routine or under make up
- Immediately boosts hydration and improved skin tone
- Significant improvement in acne scarring/pigmentation
- Improved moisture retention for better hydration
- Speeds up the healing process of active break outs
THE BAD
- Can’t see how much product is left in the tube
- May take a couple of weeks to see significant results for pigmentation
RATINGS
- PRICE POINT | 3/5
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- TEXTURE | 5/5
- ABSORPTION | 5/5
- HYDRATION | 5/5
- BRIGHTENING | 4/5
- HEALING | 3/5
OVERALL RATING? 8.3/10
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
I really enjoy using the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum and it’s definitely something that I’ll be recommending! In comparison to a lot of the other ‘stronger’ brightening products out there, this is a more gentle, ‘slow and steady’ option, so I think it would be suitable for many different skin types.
As someone with oily skin though, I loved the added hydration benefits from this! It also perfectly targeted my type of acne scarring, which is generally shallow and a bit lighter (usually from monthly hormonal acne). People with more severe pigmentation concerns may need to use this for longer or use a stronger product.
WHERE TO GET IT FROM
If you’re keen to try this out too, head on over to the AXIS-Y website where it’s available for USD$22 – alternatively, pop on over to their Instagram to find out more about the brand and their range.
