Niacinamide 5% + Moisture Sepiwhite Serum
Niacinamide 5% + Moisture Sepiwhite Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight brightening serum powered by Nano Encapsulated Niacinamide 5% and Sepiwhite MSH that works across multiple skin layers to visibly fade dark spots, even out skin tone, control excess oil, and strengthen the skin barrier. Ideal for dull, acne-marked, and hyperpigmented skin.
Multilevel Dermaluminous Action
Nano encapsulated technology allows Niacinamide to penetrate faster and work across multiple skin layers for deeper brightening from within.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMultilevel Dermaluminous Action
Nano encapsulated technology allows Niacinamide to penetrate faster and work across multiple skin layers for deeper brightening from within.
Targets Melanin at the Source
Sepiwhite MSH blocks alpha-MSH receptor signaling, interrupting melanin production before it starts for visible spot reduction in as little as 7 days.
Barrier-Strengthening Complex
Centella Asiatica, Panthenol, and Glycerin work together to reinforce your skin barrier, reduce redness, and lock in hydration.
Synergistic Brightening Duo
Niacinamide 5% combined with Acetyl Glucosamine creates a clinically studied duo that is more effective at fading hyperpigmentation than niacinamide alone.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Niacinamide 5% and all other ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, a bacterial ferment. While not a yeast-based ferment, those with severe fungal acne sensitivity may want to patch test first. No fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates are present.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Extremely unlikely to cause breakouts.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. Contains soothing Centella Asiatica and Allantoin. Recommended for ages 13 and above.
The brand recommends avoiding layering this serum with retinol or peeling serums (AHA/BHA/PHA) in the same routine to prevent irritation.
Does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other reef-harmful ingredients. Safe for marine ecosystems.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) 5%Proven
A gold-standard brightening and anti-aging ingredient delivered via nano encapsulation technology for enhanced penetration. Converts to NAD in skin cells, boosting repair, collagen production, and barrier strength.
- Clinical: 5% concentration shown to visibly reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize pore appearance, and regulate sebum in 8-12 weeks.
- Barrier: Increases ceramide synthesis, resulting in stronger, more hydrated skin.
- Anti-acne: Helps improve acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis conditions.
Sepiwhite MSH (Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine) 0.2-2%Proven
A patented amino acid-derived brightening agent that works by antagonizing alpha-MSH receptors on melanocytes, blocking melanin synthesis at its earliest hormonal trigger point.
- P&G Study: 1% Sepiwhite + 5% Niacinamide was significantly more effective than niacinamide alone at reducing hyperpigmentation after 8 weeks (Bissett et al., J Cosmet Dermatol 2009).
- Clinical: 83% of volunteers reported a more radiant complexion; 73% saw pigment reduction in age spots after 8 weeks.
- Speed: Volunteers reported a 24% reduction in hyperpigmentation in just 7 days when used alone.
Acetyl GlucosamineProven
An amino sugar naturally found in the skin that works synergistically with niacinamide. A precursor to hyaluronic acid biosynthesis, it also directly fades dark spots and reduces fine lines.
- Clinical: 2% concentration shown to improve wrinkles, especially in the eye area, in clinical trials.
- Synergy: Combined with niacinamide, the duo is more effective at fading stubborn brown spots than either ingredient alone.
- Hydration: Acts as a natural moisturizing factor and supports hyaluronic acid production in skin.
Centella Asiatica ExtractProven
Also known as Cica or Tiger Grass, this ancient healing herb soothes inflammation, accelerates wound healing, and strengthens the skin barrier. Rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside.
- Soothing: Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help calm redness and irritation.
- Healing: Promotes collagen synthesis and wound repair, beneficial for acne scars.
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular size for better skin penetration. Attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water for deep, lasting hydration.
- Hydration: Penetrates deeper than standard hyaluronic acid, plumping skin from within.
- Anti-aging: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment FiltratePromising
A fermented honey extract produced by Gluconobacter bacteria. Rich in organic acids, enzymes, and antioxidants that help brighten, nourish, and protect the skin.
- Brightening: Fermentation process enhances bioavailability of honey's natural nutrients for skin radiance.
- Antioxidant: Helps protect against environmental stressors and free radical damage.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A deeply soothing and moisturizing ingredient that converts to vitamin B5 in the skin. Enhances barrier repair, reduces transepidermal water loss, and calms irritation.
- Barrier: Strengthens the lipid barrier and improves skin moisture retention.
- Soothing: Clinically shown to reduce redness, irritation, and itching.
17 ingredients
Aqua, Niacinamide, Glycerin*, Centella Asiatica Extract*, Sodium Hyaluronate*, Propanediol*, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Allantoin*, Royal Jelly*, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract*, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate*, Polyquaternium-7, Chlorphenesin, Panthenol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Xanthan Gum*, Phenoxyethanol.
*Ingredients from natural resources
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night. Apply after toner on clean skin. Do not layer with retinol or AHA/BHA/PHA peeling serums in the same routine. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a gentle cleanser, then apply your toner. Pat skin until slightly damp — this helps the serum absorb better.
Dispense 2-3 Drops
Using the dropper, apply 2-3 drops onto your fingertips or directly onto areas with dark spots and uneven tone.
Gently Pat & Press
Gently pat and press the serum into your skin using your fingertips. Avoid rubbing. Allow 20-30 seconds for full absorption.
Follow with Moisturizer
Once absorbed, apply your moisturizer to seal in the actives. In the morning, always finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen for best brightening results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dull skin and want a brighter, more radiant complexion
- You struggle with dark spots, acne marks, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- You need an oil-free serum that controls excess sebum
- You want a gentle brightening serum safe for sensitive skin
- You prefer a minimal, clean ingredient list (only 17 ingredients)
- You are a skincare beginner looking for an affordable niacinamide serum
- You want to strengthen and repair your skin barrier
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a high-concentration niacinamide (10%+) for stubborn concerns
- You want a larger bottle size (this is 20ml only)
- You have severe fungal acne and are strictly avoiding all ferments
- You prefer to layer this with retinol or AHA/BHA (brand advises against it)
- You need a rich, deeply hydrating serum for very dry skin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free, watery texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production for a matte finish throughout the day.
Lightweight formula balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without making the T-zone greasy.
Fragrance-free and packed with soothers like Centella and Allantoin. The 5% niacinamide concentration is gentle enough for most sensitive types. Patch test recommended.
Provides decent hydration with Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin but the watery texture may not be rich enough alone. Best paired with a heavier moisturizer.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free formula with a low comedogenic rating of 1. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and fade post-acne marks effectively.
Results timeline
WEEK 8-12Immediate Hydration & Glow
Skin feels more hydrated and looks slightly more luminous. Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin provide instant moisture boost. Sepiwhite MSH begins reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 24% in clinical studies.
70% noticed improved hydrationOil Control & Smoother Texture
Niacinamide begins regulating sebum production. Skin texture starts to feel smoother and pores appear less visible. Early signs of dark spot fading become noticeable.
60% noticed reduced oilinessVisible Brightening & Dark Spot Fading
The synergy between Niacinamide, Sepiwhite, and Acetyl Glucosamine delivers visible brightening. Dark spots and acne marks begin to fade noticeably. Skin tone appears more even.
83% reported a more radiant complexionSignificant Tone Correction & Barrier Strength
Full brightening benefits are realized. Clinical studies show 73% pigment reduction in age spots with the Niacinamide + Sepiwhite combination. Skin barrier is measurably stronger and more resilient.
73% saw pigment reduction in spotsRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable price point for the quality of actives
- Lightweight, watery texture absorbs fast — perfect for layering
- Visibly brightens skin and fades dark spots with consistent use
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Clean, minimal formula with only 17 ingredients
- Clinically studied Sepiwhite + Niacinamide combination
- Effective oil control without drying the skin
- BPOM registered and Halal certified
Criticized
- Small 20ml bottle size runs out in 2-3 weeks with daily use
- Contains a honey ferment which may concern strict fungal acne avoiders
- Cannot be layered with retinol or chemical exfoliants
- Results for deep hyperpigmentation require 8+ weeks of patience
- Watery texture may feel insufficiently hydrating for very dry skin
- Limited international availability (primarily Southeast Asian market)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher niacinamide concentration (10% vs 5%) with added zinc for oil control. However, lacks Sepiwhite MSH, Centella Asiatica, and the nano-encapsulation technology. More likely to cause niacin flush at 10%. Larger 30ml size.
Another Indonesian niacinamide serum using beetroot extract instead of Sepiwhite MSH for brightening. Similar watery texture and price range. Lacks the clinical Sepiwhite + Niacinamide synergy data.
K-beauty option with 10% niacinamide and zinc. Focuses more on pore minimizing and oil control than brightening. No Sepiwhite MSH or Acetyl Glucosamine synergy. Larger 60ml bottle.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but keeping it cool can extend freshness.
Glass dropper bottle — protects the active ingredients from degradation and allows precise dispensing.
Yes — 20ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Compact size fits easily in travel pouches.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This serum is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreens. The active ingredients — Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Sepiwhite MSH (an amino acid derivative), and Centella Asiatica — are all widely regarded as pregnancy-safe. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
This serum is mostly fungal acne-friendly — it contains no oils, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that typically feed Malassezia yeast. However, it does contain Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, which is a bacterial (not yeast-based) ferment. Most fungal acne databases classify this product as safe, but if you have extreme sensitivity to any fermented ingredients, a patch test is recommended before full-face use.
The brand specifically recommends avoiding layering this serum with retinol and peeling serums (AHA/BHA/PHA) in the same routine to prevent irritation. You can use them at different times of day — for example, this serum in the morning and retinol at night. Niacinamide is generally compatible with Vitamin C, though some prefer to separate them. If combining, apply the more watery product first.
This serum works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types thanks to its oil-free, watery formula and sebum-regulating niacinamide. It is also suitable for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free formulation and soothing ingredients. Dry skin types can use it but should pair it with a richer moisturizer on top, as the watery texture alone may not provide enough hydration.
Clinical studies on Sepiwhite MSH show a 24% reduction in hyperpigmentation within the first 7 days. Most users notice improved hydration and glow within the first 1-2 weeks. Significant dark spot fading and skin tone evening typically becomes visible between weeks 4-8. For maximum results (73% pigment reduction in age spots), consistent use for 8-12 weeks is recommended based on clinical data.
Apply this serum as step 3 in your routine: after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. Its watery, lightweight texture is designed to be absorbed quickly before heavier products. Use 2-3 drops on slightly damp skin, morning and evening. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning for optimal brightening results.
No — this serum has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and free from known pore-clogging ingredients. Niacinamide itself is known to help minimize pore appearance and regulate oil production. This formula is classified as non-comedogenic by multiple skincare databases including SkinSignal and SkinSort.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Given the 20ml bottle size, most users will finish the product within 2-4 weeks with daily AM/PM use (2-3 drops per application). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain ingredient potency throughout the shelf life.
Verdict: The Azarine Niacinamide 5% + Moisture Sepiwhite Serum is a remarkably effective brightening serum at an unbeatable price point. Its standout feature is the clinically proven Niacinamide + Sepiwhite MSH combination — backed by Procter & Gamble research showing superior hyperpigmentation reduction versus niacinamide alone. The minimal 17-ingredient formula is clean, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. The only downsides are the small 20ml bottle size that runs out quickly and the inability to layer with retinol or exfoliants. For anyone dealing with dull skin, dark spots, or acne marks on a budget, this is one of the best value-for-money brightening serums available in the Southeast Asian 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|






