• 15 percent four-acid blend
  • Azelaic and tranexamic acids
  • For dark spots, melasma
  • Safe for sensitive skin

What it is

A nightly dark spot serum from Lion Pose, a clinical skincare brand developed with Harvard-trained dermatologists. A lightweight jelly formula built to fade hyperpigmentation without irritating sensitive skin.

What it does

A 15 percent blend of azelaic, tranexamic, glycolic, and lactic acids resurfaces overnight to reduce the look of dark spots, age spots, acne scars, and melasma. Glutathione, hyaluronic acid, tiger grass, and aloe keep it hydrating and gentle.

Who it's for

Anyone with dark spots, melasma, or post-acne marks, including sensitive skin. Tested on all skin tones and types.

How to use

How much: 1 to 2 pumps.

1. Apply to a clean, dry face in the evening.
2. Let it absorb 30 seconds, then moisturize.
3. Use SPF every morning, since AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

Where it fits: Nighttime treatment step, before moisturizer.

Inside the formula

15% four-acid blend

Azelaic, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids that resurface skin and fade the look of dark spots.

Glutathione

An antioxidant tripeptide that helps defend against free-radical damage.

Hyaluronic acid

Holds moisture in skin so the serum does not dry you out

Tiger Grass

Also called centella, a calming plant that supports skin repair.

Aloe

A plant gel that soothes and hydrates skin

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 that evens out skin tone

Full ingredient list
Water/Eau/Aqua, Lactic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycolic Acid, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glutathione, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Why we stock it

We stock this because it won Allure's 2024 Best of Beauty for a reason. Four acids at 15 percent is serious strength, and it still manages to be gentle enough for nightly sensitive-skin use.

The clinicals

Independent panel of 30 (Fitzpatrick 2-6): after 4 weeks, 94% saw reduced dark spot size, 93% smoother texture, 86% more even tone. 97% reported visible improvement in dark spots over 8 weeks.

Independent testing panel, 30 participants ages 25-45, Fitzpatrick skin tone 2-6. Dark spot size and texture measured after 4 weeks; user-reported improvement tracked over 8 weeks.

The Nexus standard

Vetted before it lists

Every brand on our shelf is screened before it can sell here. Fewer than you'd think make it through.

Direct from the maker

We work directly with independent brands and skip the retail markup, so you pay less for the same products.

30-day returns

Changed your mind? Returns are easy within 30 days on unopened products. Secure checkout, always.

About the brand

Lion Pose

Clinical skincare tested on all tones

Lion Pose was founded by Madhu Punjabi and Nisha Phatak, two Harvard MBAs who came from the infant formula world, where every ingredient is studied, and were shocked that skincare requires no real clinical testing. It's the only brand developed with Harvard-trained dermatologists who specialize in skin of color, and every formula is tested on diverse skin tones. Their Unspotted 4X hyperpigmentation serum won an Allure Best of Beauty award and the brand is sold at Sephora.

We stock Lion Pose because hyperpigmentation products actually tested on darker skin tones are rare, and this one won an Allure award for a reason.

Shop all Lion Pose

Skincare questions, answered

Where does this go in my routine?

Thinnest to thickest: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, then SPF in the morning. This product's How to use section above tells you its exact step.

When will I see results?

Give it 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use — that's one full skin cycle. Hydration shows up in days; tone and texture take weeks. If your skin reacts badly (stinging, new breakouts that don't settle within a week), stop using it.

I have sensitive skin. Will this irritate me?

Patch test first: a dab behind your ear or along your jawline, wait 24 hours. Fragrance-free formulas are the safest bet for reactive skin — check the highlights on this page.