Editor's Review: Which Bestselling Glow Serum Should You Choose?

Welcome to Editor’s Review, a series where your trusted STYLEVANA editor dives deep into the latest and greatest of skincare, makeup and beauty to offer you a thorough review. Our goal is to break down a formula for you and get you up to speed about everything you need to know about it, helping you decide whether it’s worth a spot in your routine or not. Whether you’ve got questions about the formula, the texture, the finish, we’ve got you covered.

Glowy skin has become one of the biggest buzzwords in the beauty world, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t strive towards a smooth, glassy complexion. There’s something about a glowing appearance that just boosts your mood, whether you’ve gained the confidence to go out makeup-free or your makeup looks even better with that base glow peeking through. A skincare routine that supports overall skin health is the starting point to achieving your goals, but once you’ve got the basics down, that’s your sign to reach for the big guns: dedicated dark spot-correcting serums engineered to tune up your natural glow.

There are many paths you could go down to pursue your glow; for many top-rated formulas you’ll see Niacinamide on their ingredients list. This multi-tasking vitamin wears many hats, including inhibiting melanin transfer to prevent the formation of dark spots. It can be found in 2 serums perpetually on the STYLEVANA bestsellers list, and it’s time your editor put them to the test: how do the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum : Propolis + Niacinamide and ANUA Niacinamide10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum stack up against each other, and which one should you choose? Read on for the full editor review breaking down the internet’s favourite glow serums.

Formula

The BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum : Propolis + Niacinamide is driven by 2 hero ingredients to strengthen the skin barrier and enhance glowiness: the former soothes and nourishes the complexion, while the latter balances discolouration and skin tone unevenness. This concoction keeps sebum levels in check and smooths out any skin texture with the help of BHA, giving way to a bright, dewy complexion. Suitable for all skin types, it’s particularly effective for acne-prone complexions because Propolis provides natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that comfort active breakouts.

ANUA’s Niacinamide10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum also spotlights Niacinamide, but pairs it with hyperpigmentation-busting Tranexamic Acid and Vitamin C in a (natural) ruby-hued blend. This formula zeroes in on age spots, post-breakout hyperpigmentation and melasma from several angles, refining skin tone over time. Hyaluronic Acid and Polyglutamic Acid are added to provide an abundant dose of moisture, plumping up the complexion to safeguard your luminosity all day long.

BOJ features 2% Niacinamide in their formula, while ANUA touts 10% Niacinamide. A higher concentration doesn’t necessarily equate to a more effective product, but in this case the ANUA serum better targets stubborn dark spots and rough skin texture. That being said, 10% may be too strong a concentration for more sensitive complexions.

Both serums can be applied in the AM and PM. When using in the daytime, always follow up with a generous layer of sunscreen.

Texture and Finish

The golden hue and Propolis component of BOJ’s serum already point towards a bee-adjacent formula, and this texture can only be likened to Honey; however instead of feeling sticky or tacky, this viscous texture spreads smoothly across the skin and absorbs to leave behind a radiant glow. In comparison, ANUA’s serum is considerably more runny and will sink into the skin even quicker. Because of this, you do have to act fast to blend it in, or you run the risk of it sliding right off your face. Once patted in, the skin instantly appears bright and refreshed.

Packaging

Both serums are housed in your standard pipette bottles that are easy to store, as well as take with you travelling. I find it to be the best method of dispensing the right amount of product; 3 drops of either formula is enough to cover my full face, and one pipette roughly contains 3 drops. One thing to note for the ANUA serum is that because it is so runny, you might have to dispense the product right onto your face from the pipette instead of into your hands to avoid it running down your arms, speaking from experience.

Other Things to Note

Vegan skincare lovers, take note: BOJ’s serum uses Propolis, an animal-derived product, whereas ANUA’s formula is free of animal-derived ingredients.

Editor’s Verdict

Use the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum : Propolis + Niacinamide if you deal with excess sebum and inflammation. This option will keep oil and water levels balanced, as well as alleviate breakouts, blemishes and dullness. If you’re new to Niacinamide or have sensitive skin, start with this formula to observe your skin’s tolerance towards the key ingredient.

BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Glow Serum : Propolis + Niacinamide - 30ml

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BEAUTY OF JOSEON

Opt for the ANUA Niacinamide10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum if you’re looking to zero in on dark spots, but also require a layer of hydration. Its combination of brightening and hydrating ingredients make this a great formula for supercharged skin maintenance to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. More resilient complexions will be able to tolerate the higher dose of Niacinamide.

ANUA - Niacinamide10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum - 30ml

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ANUA

Which dark spot-correcting Niacinamide serum is your routine winner? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!