Product Description
Product overview
Slurp Niacid is a concentrated K-beauty serum engineered to fade post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots while reconstructing a damaged skin barrier. Built around 60% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, 2% Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, snail mucin, and the brand's signature Melatrepein™ 5000 peptide complex, its lipid-mimicking, oil-free texture absorbs in seconds without increasing sun sensitivity.
Fades PIH & Dark Spots
Niacinamide + Tranexamic Acid work synergistically to reduce red marks and brown spots from past breakouts and UV exposure.
Texture & feel
SENSORYFades PIH & Dark Spots
Niacinamide + Tranexamic Acid work synergistically to reduce red marks and brown spots from past breakouts and UV exposure.
Repairs Skin Barrier
Snail mucin, sodium hyaluronate and peptides reinforce the barrier and accelerate post-inflammatory healing.
Soothes Inflammation
Scutellaria Baicalensis, Witch Hazel and Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate calm redness and irritation.
No Sun Sensitivity
Unlike retinol or AHAs, Niacid does not increase photo-sensitivity — usable both AM and PM.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENiacinamide and tranexamic acid are non-conflicting and even complementary with most actives when layered correctly.
Brand confirms Niacid does not increase sun sensitivity — but daily SPF is still recommended to protect fading progress.
No retinoids or hydroquinone, but contains tranexamic acid and ferments. Consult your OB/GYN before use during pregnancy.
Galactomyces ferment filtrate may feed malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have confirmed fungal acne / pityrosporum folliculitis.
Not vegan. Brand states snail mucin is harvested without harming snails. Cruelty-free and not animal-tested.
Contains Salix Alba (willow bark) extract. Patch test if you have a known aspirin/salicylate allergy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate ~60%Proven
The hero ingredient — a yeast-derived ferment (the same family as SK-II's Pitera) used here at high concentration. Brightens, smooths skin texture, and helps regulate sebum and pore appearance.
- Mechanism: Boosts filaggrin and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) to reinforce the barrier.
- Antioxidant action: Protects against oxidative stress and UV-induced inflammation.
- Brand claim: Used at ~60% concentration for measurable brightening and pore-minimizing effects.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2%Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that fades dark spots, strengthens the barrier, regulates oil and improves the look of pores. Well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive.
- Skin tone: Inhibits melanosome transfer to surface keratinocytes — proven to reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Barrier: Increases ceramide synthesis for stronger, more hydrated skin.
- Concentration: ~2% is the effective range for barrier support and even tone.
Tranexamic Acid ActiveProven
A lysine-derived amino acid clinically validated for melasma and stubborn discoloration. Works synergistically with niacinamide to flatten red and brown post-acne marks.
- Mechanism: Constricts blood vessels and blocks the plasmin pathway involved in pigment overproduction.
- Used in dermatology: Topically and orally to treat melasma and PIH.
- Synergy: Pairs with niacinamide for amplified spot-fading.
Snail Secretion Filtrate ActiveProven
A K-beauty cult ingredient packed with glycoproteins, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Repairs damaged skin, accelerates wound healing and softens texture.
- Composition: Naturally contains allantoin, glycolic acid, copper peptides, vitamins A and E.
- Action: Stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production for scar smoothing.
- K-beauty staple: Widely studied for post-acne mark fading and barrier repair.
Pentasodium Peptide Complex (Melatrepein™ 5000) ActivePromising
The brand's signature peptide blend — Pentasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Acetylhydroxyprolyl Dipeptide-12 and Dipeptide-51 — marketed as a "clean-up crew" that targets melanosomes and supports brightening.
- Brand mechanism: Designed to degrade existing melanosomes and slow new pigment formation.
- Supporting role: Works alongside niacinamide and tranexamic acid for radiance.
- Note: Effects are brand-claimed; independent peer-reviewed data is limited.
Soothing & Hydrating Botanicals SupportingPromising
A blanket of calming and hydrating extracts that round out the formula and help sensitive, reactive skin tolerate the actives.
- Scutellaria Baicalensis: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; some antimicrobial activity.
- Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel): Astringent, soothes redness and tightens pores.
- Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate: Blue-toned chamomile derivative — calms reactive skin.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Locks in moisture inside the upper layers of the skin.
- Salix Alba (Willow Bark): Natural source of salicin; mild exfoliation and texture refinement.
- Prunus Mume & Brassica Oleracea: Antioxidant, may inhibit melanin production.
18 ingredients
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Pentasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Acetylhydroxyprolyl Dipeptide-12, Pentasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Dipeptide-51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply Niacid right after cleansing on damp skin, before heavier serums and creams. AM & PM friendly. Always finish your morning routine with broad-spectrum SPF.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Wash with a gentle, low-pH cleanser and pat skin to a slightly damp finish — Niacid absorbs better on hydrated skin.
Dispense
Start with 3 drops on the palm. As tolerance builds, work up to 6 drops, then half a dropper per use.
Press, don't rub
Gently press the serum into face and neck until fully absorbed. Focus on areas with marks, dark spots and uneven tone.
Layer & lock
Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to seal humectants in. Brand-recommended frequency: 1–2 times daily.
Always SPF in the AM
Niacid is not photosensitizing, but UV exposure will quickly undo any progress on pigmentation. Use SPF 30+ daily.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have post-inflammatory erythema (red marks) or hyperpigmentation (brown marks) from acne.
- Your skin tone looks dull, uneven or sun-damaged.
- Your barrier feels compromised, dehydrated or reactive.
- You want a fragrance-free, alcohol-free, gentle treatment.
- You're looking for a non-photosensitizing alternative to retinol or strong AHAs.
Consider alternatives if:
- You have confirmed fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis.
- You expect a treatment that physically "raises" deep atrophic ice-pick or boxcar scars (no topical can do this).
- You have a serious salicylate or aspirin allergy (contains willow bark).
- You're vegan and avoid snail-derived ingredients.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding without OB/GYN approval.
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free, lightweight texture. Galactomyces and niacinamide help regulate sebum and refine the look of pores.
Hydrating with snail mucin, glycerin and HA, but follow with a richer moisturizer to seal in humectants.
Balances oil zones while delivering moisture to drier areas — ideal middle-ground formula.
Fragrance-free with calming witch hazel and guaiazulene. Patch-test first if you're highly reactive.
Specifically formulated for post-acne marks. Low comedogenic risk, but skip if you have fungal acne.
Niacinamide and peptides support tone, texture and fine-line softening, though it isn't a dedicated anti-aging serum.
Results timeline
3–6 MONTHSBrightness boost overnight
Brand reports a visible increase in radiance from the first application thanks to high-concentration galactomyces.
~70% noticedMarks & redness start fading
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and pigmentation visibly soften; texture feels smoother and more even.
~60% noticedStronger barrier & tone
Cumulative repair: fewer breakouts on average, better hydration retention, more uniform skin tone.
~55% noticedLong-term remodeling
With consistent SPF use, dark spots significantly fade and overall skin clarity is markedly improved.
~45% noticedRatings by platform
627+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Visible fading of post-acne red marks and brown spots in 1–2 weeks.
- Lightweight oil-free texture that absorbs almost instantly.
- Synergistic combo: niacinamide + tranexamic acid + snail mucin in one bottle.
- Free of fragrance, alcohol, parabens, sulfates and silicones.
- Cruelty-free and 91% top-allergen-free per SkinSAFE.
- Doesn't increase sun sensitivity — compatible with most actives.
Criticized
- Premium price for a 30 ml bottle; perceived as expensive vs. drugstore niacinamide serums.
- Will not "raise" deep atrophic acne scars despite some marketing implications.
- Contains snail mucin — not vegan-friendly.
- Galactomyces ferment makes it unsuitable for fungal-acne-prone skin.
- Past shipping & stock issues reported on the brand's direct site.
- Contains willow bark — caution for those with salicylate sensitivities.
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESFar higher niacinamide concentration at a fraction of the price, but lacks tranexamic acid, snail mucin, peptides and ferments. Great as a first dupe for tone & pores; weaker on PIH.
Same K-beauty pigmentation logic with rice ferment + alpha arbutin in place of galactomyces + tranexamic acid. Lighter on actives but very gentle and well-priced.
Built around galactomyces ferment with added vitamin C for brightening. Toner format, larger size, but no tranexamic acid or peptide complex.
96% snail secretion focuses on barrier repair and post-acne healing. Less targeted at hyperpigmentation, but excellent companion product or stand-alone alternative.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; tightly close after each use.
Glass bottle with dropper applicator
Yes — 30 ml is well under the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNiacid does not contain retinoids, hydroquinone, salicylic acid at exfoliating levels, or chemical sunscreens — the ingredients usually flagged in pregnancy. However, it does contain tranexamic acid and ferments, and willow bark naturally contains salicin. Most dermatologists consider topical niacinamide and snail mucin low-risk, but tranexamic acid in pregnancy is debated. Always consult your OB/GYN before adding any active treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. Niacid is not considered fungal-acne safe. Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate makes up roughly 60% of the formula, and yeast ferments are widely flagged as potential triggers for malassezia overgrowth. If you've been diagnosed with fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, choose a fungal-acne-safe niacinamide or tranexamic acid serum instead.
Yes. Niacinamide and tranexamic acid pair well with most actives — they don't conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. A common approach is to use vitamin C or AHA/BHA earlier in the routine, then layer Niacid afterwards for barrier support and pigmentation control. If you're new to actives, alternate days at first to monitor tolerance.
Niacid suits combination, oily, normal, and post-acne / scarred skin most strongly. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well thanks to the fragrance-free formula and soothing botanicals. Dry skin will benefit too, but should layer a richer moisturizer on top. The two main groups it doesn't suit are fungal-acne-prone skin and people with severe salicylate allergies.
The brand reports a brightness boost overnight, with visible fading of red marks and pigmentation typically beginning between days 3 and 7. For more substantial change in PIH and overall tone, expect 4–8 weeks of consistent use. Deeper pigmentation and long-standing dark spots usually need 3–6 months alongside daily SPF.
Apply Niacid right after cleansing (and toning, if you tone) on slightly damp skin, before heavier serums and moisturizers. Use 3 drops to start and gradually increase to 6 drops or half a dropper. AM routine: cleanser → toner → Niacid → moisturizer → SPF. PM routine: cleanser → toner → Niacid → other treatments → moisturizer.
Niacid has a low comedogenic risk (rated approximately 1 out of 5). The formula is oil-free, lightweight, and contains pore-friendly ingredients like niacinamide and witch hazel. The main caveat is that ferments can trigger malassezia-driven breakouts in fungal-acne-prone individuals — these look like small, uniform itchy bumps and aren't true comedonal acne. For typical bacterial acne and clogged pores, Niacid is generally well-tolerated.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months. Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and avoid contaminating the dropper by touching it directly to the skin. With normal use of 3–6 drops once or twice daily, a 30 ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months.
Verdict: Slurp Niacid is a thoughtfully built K-beauty treatment serum that brings together three evidence-backed pigmentation fighters — niacinamide, tranexamic acid and a high concentration of galactomyces ferment — plus snail mucin and a proprietary peptide complex. It excels at fading post-acne marks, brightening dull tone and reinforcing a compromised barrier, all in a fragrance-free, oil-free format that doesn't increase sun sensitivity. It is not a miracle for deep atrophic scars, isn't fungal-acne safe, and sits at a premium price point for the bottle size. For anyone targeting PIH, PIE and uneven tone with a gentle, layer-friendly serum, it is one of the more interesting all-in-one options on the market.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Illicium Verum Fruit Extract
Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
|









