Anua offers four very different serums, and confusing their active ingredients is the most common mistake we see among customers who write to us for advice.
Each Anua serum targets a specific skin need. The Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% works on dark spots and blemishes, the Peach 70% Niacin revives a dull complexion, the Azelaic Acid 10% soothes redness, and the Green Lemon Vitamin C brightens uneven skin tone. The right choice depends on your goal, not on the product's popularity on social media.
With four formulas that look similar on paper, it's easy to choose the wrong serum, or worse, to combine them all thinking you're doing better. This guide helps you identify the right formula for your skin, integrate it correctly into your routine, and avoid common mistakes when combining several Korean active ingredients.
Looking directly for Anua serums? The entire range is available with shipping from our French warehouse. (view the Anua collection)
The 4 Anua serums at a glance 🔍
Before going into detail for each formula, here's how the four serums are categorized by their target.
| Serum | Key active ingredient | Target | Recommended skin type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% | Niacinamide, tranexamic acid | Dark spots, blemishes, pores | Combination to oily |
| Peach 70% Niacin | Peach extract, niacinamide | Dull complexion, lack of radiance | Normal to dry |
| Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron | Azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid | Redness, sensitivity | Sensitive, reactive |
| Green Lemon Vitamin C | Vitamin C, green lemon extract | Uneven skin tone, dark spots | All skin types |
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% for dark spots and blemishes ✨
The Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% is the Anua serum to choose if your main goal is to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. Niacinamide regulates sebum production and calms inflammatory redness, while tranexamic acid (TXA) interrupts the mechanism that triggers hyperpigmentation.
Concretely, this combination works on two levels: it limits the appearance of new blemishes while gradually reducing existing scars. It's the most versatile serum in the range because it treats both the cause (excess sebum, inflammation) and the visible consequence (dark spots).
Clinically, niacinamide at 5% and above has shown measurable reduction in hyperpigmentation and improvement in barrier function in several dermatological studies. Source: PubMed, National Institutes of Health
In use, the texture is fluid and slightly milky, absorbing in seconds without leaving a sticky film under cream. This is important if you wear makeup afterward, as an overly rich serum at this stage complicates foundation application. Recent marks generally fade first, while old scars require more patience and regular use over several months for a clear result.
Concerned skin types: combination to oily, prone to breakouts or marks that persist after an acne flare-up. (view Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% serum)
Peach 70% Niacin to revive a dull complexion 🍑
If your skin looks tired rather than problematic, the Peach 70% Niacin addresses a different need: restoring radiance without irritation. Peach extract provides antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress, the main cause of dull complexion throughout the seasons.
The niacinamide in the formula refines skin texture and tightens the appearance of pores, while strengthening the skin barrier. It's a maintenance serum rather than a targeted treatment, designed for daily long-term use.
The texture is creamier than the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4%, with a subtle fruity scent that disappears once absorbed. It's a reassuring serum for tight or dehydrated skin, without replacing a moisturizer. The healthy glow effect is usually visible within the first few days, while the skin texture regulation takes several weeks of consistent use.
Concerned skin types: normal to dry, seeking comfort and luminosity rather than correction. (view Peach 70% Niacin serum)
Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron to soothe redness 🌿
Azelaic acid is one of the few active ingredients that is anti-inflammatory, anti-blemish, and brightening, without the drying effect of many exfoliants. At 10%, it remains at a concentration well-tolerated by sensitive skin, unlike some more concentrated pharmaceutical formulations.
Hyaluronic acid compensates for the potentially drying effect of azelaic acid by providing immediate hydration. This combination makes it the most suitable Anua serum for reactive skin, prone to early rosacea or diffuse redness.
Published works on azelaic acid show documented action on rosacea-associated redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Source: British Journal of Dermatology.
The texture is a bit denser than the previous two serums, without being sticky, and hyaluronic acid leaves an immediate feeling of comfort that is reassuring for tight skin. A slight warming or tingling sensation in the first few minutes is normal for the first few days and usually disappears within one to two weeks of regular use. If it persists beyond that, it's better to space out applications rather than stop completely.
Concerned skin types: sensitive, reactive, or prone to redness that appears for no apparent reason. (view Azelaic Acid serum)
Green Lemon Vitamin C for uneven skin tone 🍋
The Green Lemon Vitamin C combines vitamin C and green lemon extract to target uneven skin tone rather than localized dark spots. It primarily acts as a daily protective antioxidant, complementing a more targeted anti-dark spot routine if your marks are pronounced.
It's a less known serum than the previous two in the Anua range, but relevant if your priority is an overall healthy glow effect rather than treating specific imperfections. It suits all skin types, including sensitive skin, provided it's introduced gradually.
Concerned skin types: all, particularly as a complement to a routine focused on evening out skin tone. (view Green Lemon serum)
How to use your Anua serum daily ⏰
The order of application matters as much as the choice of serum. Apply it to clean skin, after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing cream. Two to three drops are sufficient for the entire face; a more generous amount does not make the product more effective.
For frequency, Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% and Peach 70% Niacin are well-tolerated morning and night from the start. Azelaic Acid 10% should be introduced more gradually, every other night for the first week, to accustom the skin. Allow three to four weeks to see a first visible improvement on dark spots, and six to eight weeks for a stable result.
If you use a vitamin C serum in the morning, never forget sun protection afterward; these two steps go hand in hand. In the evening, it's the best time for Azelaic Acid 10% or a targeted anti-dark spot routine, as the skin regenerates overnight and better tolerates the most active ingredients. Avoid applying a new serum immediately after an exfoliation or peel, as the skin is more permeable and the risk of irritation increases significantly on that day.
Can several Anua serums be combined? Mistakes to avoid ⚠️
Specialist's advice: the most common mistake we see is wanting to use three or four Anua serums at once to get results faster. This is a trap; the skin receives too many active ingredients at once and often reacts with irritation or breakouts, the opposite of the desired effect. Choose one main serum based on your dominant need, and only add a second active ingredient if your skin tolerates it well after several weeks.
Niacinamide and azelaic acid generally combine well. However, combining vitamin C and azelaic acid on the same day can irritate sensitive skin; it's better to alternate them morning and evening or use them on different days.
Key takeaways 📝
The right Anua serum is chosen according to your goal, not according to the product's popularity: dark spots and blemishes for Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4%, dull complexion for Peach 70% Niacin, redness and sensitivity for Azelaic Acid 10%, uneven skin tone for Green Lemon Vitamin C.
A single targeted serum, used regularly, yields better results than several active ingredients combined from the start. If you are still unsure about your skin profile, our free skin diagnostic will guide you to the right routine in a few questions. You can also find the entire range in the Anua collection.
