TXA Niacinamide 99 Milky Toner
TXA Niacinamide 99 Milky Toner
Product Description
Product overview
A 2-in-1 cream-meets-toner with 99% high-purity Tranexamic Acid (3%) and Niacinamide (5%) that transforms into a milky, pink-hued emulsion on skin. Packed with 7 types of Hyaluronic Acid, 4 Ceramides, Alpha-Arbutin, and Glutathione to target dark spots, uneven tone, and dullness while delivering deep, lasting hydration for a Korean glass-skin glow.
99% High-Purity TXA (3%)
Ultra-pure Tranexamic Acid absorbs faster than standard-grade TXA, targeting melanin production to fade dark spots and even skin tone without irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORY99% High-Purity TXA (3%)
Ultra-pure Tranexamic Acid absorbs faster than standard-grade TXA, targeting melanin production to fade dark spots and even skin tone without irritation.
Niacinamide 5%
Clinically proven concentration of Vitamin B3 to strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum, minimize pores, and improve overall radiance.
7 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Multi-molecular weight HA complex provides hydration at every skin layer, from surface plumping to deep moisture retention.
4 Ceramides + Panthenol
Ceramide NS, NP, EOP, and AP combined with Pro-Vitamin B5 reinforce the skin barrier, lock in hydration, and calm sensitive skin.
Triple Brightening Complex
Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, and Ascorbic Acid work synergistically with TXA to target multiple pathways of melanin production.
2-in-1 Milky Transformation
Innovative micro-emulsion formula starts as a pink cream and transforms into a milky texture when patted, delivering serum-level nourishment in a toner format.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. Topical Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor.
Contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate which may feed Malassezia yeast.
While some emollients have moderate comedogenic potential individually, the overall formulation is lightweight and clinically tested as non-comedogenic.
Free from harsh drying alcohols. Contains natural botanicals (Jasmine Flower Water, Vanilla Extract) which provide a mild scent but no added synthetic fragrances.
Niacinamide and TXA are stable and compatible with most actives including retinol, Vitamin C serums, AHAs, and BHAs. Layer from thinnest to thickest consistency.
While hypoallergenic-tested, those with very reactive or sensitized skin should patch test on the inner wrist or behind the ear for 24 hours before full-face use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) 5%Proven
A multitasking powerhouse at the clinically effective 5% concentration. Strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide synthesis, regulates sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and fades hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
- Clinical: 5% niacinamide shown to significantly reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture in 8–12 weeks (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology).
- Mechanism: Converts to NAD+ in skin cells, fueling repair, collagen production, and barrier function.
- Concentration: 50,000ppm (5%) — the gold standard for visible brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Tranexamic Acid (TXA) 3%Proven
An amino acid derivative with powerful anti-pigmentation properties. The 99% high-purity grade used in this formula absorbs faster and delivers superior efficacy compared to standard-grade TXA. Targets melanin production through plasmin inhibition.
- Clinical: Topical TXA at 2–5% shown to reduce melasma severity by up to 35% in clinical trials over 12 weeks.
- Purity: 99% pharmaceutical-grade purity ensures faster absorption and reduced residue on skin.
- Synergy: Works on different melanin pathways than niacinamide and arbutin, amplifying overall brightening effect.
Alpha-Arbutin <1%Proven
A gentle yet effective tyrosinase inhibitor derived from the bearberry plant. Considered more effective and stable than beta-arbutin, it slows melanin production to gradually fade dark spots and prevent new ones from forming.
- Research: Alpha-arbutin is 10x more effective at melanin inhibition than beta-arbutin.
- Safety: Gentle enough for daily use on all skin tones without risk of paradoxical darkening.
7 Types of Hyaluronic Acid Multi-weightProven
A comprehensive HA complex including Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, and more. Each molecular weight targets a different skin depth.
- Surface: High-molecular-weight HA forms a moisture-locking film on the skin surface.
- Deep: Low-molecular-weight and hydrolyzed forms penetrate deeper for plumping from within.
- Crosspolymer: Provides sustained, time-released hydration throughout the day.
4 Ceramides Complex <1%Proven
Ceramide NS, NP, EOP, and AP replicate the natural lipid structure of the skin barrier. Combined with Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, they restore and reinforce the moisture barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss.
- Barrier: Ceramides make up ~50% of the skin's natural lipid barrier — replenishing them is key to healthy skin.
- Estimated concentration: 0.25–0.60% per ceramide type (WIMJ analysis), within effective range for barrier support.
Glutathione TracePromising
A tripeptide antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and inhibits melanin synthesis. While present at trace levels, it contributes to the formula's comprehensive brightening approach by targeting yet another melanin pathway.
- Research: Glutathione can shift melanin production from darker eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin.
- Antioxidant: Nicknamed the "master antioxidant," it helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative stress.
46 ingredients
Water(Aqua), Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Octyldodecanol, C12-14 Alketh-12, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Amara (Bitter Almond) Kernel Oil, Adenosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Leaf Extract, Trehalose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Panthenol, Cyanocobalamin, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Tranexamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glutathione, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide NS, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEBecause of its rich, creamy texture, apply this milky toner AFTER lighter, water-based products like serums. Use AM & PM. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning when using brightening actives.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser (the AprilSkin TXA Bubble Gum Cleanser pairs well). Pat skin slightly damp.
Dispense the Pink Cream
Pump an appropriate amount of the pink toner into your palms. A little goes a long way due to the concentrated formula.
Pat & Transform
Gently pat and press onto face and neck. The cream transforms into a milky, lightweight emulsion as you pat it in.
Let It Absorb
Allow 30–60 seconds for full absorption. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen (AM). Avoid direct eye and lip area.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You struggle with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks
- You want a brightening toner that also deeply hydrates
- You prefer a rich, creamy toner over watery formulas
- You want a multi-active formula (TXA + Niacinamide + Arbutin + Ceramides)
- You love the K-beauty glass skin look
- You want pregnancy-safe brightening ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — contains several FA triggers
- You prefer lightweight, watery toners with zero residue
- You are very sensitive to botanical extracts or natural fragrances
- You want a fragrance-free formula (contains Jasmine water and Vanilla extract)
- You prefer vegan products (contains Cholesterol)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Provides the perfect balance of hydration and brightening without being too heavy or too light.
Rich, creamy texture with 7 types of HA and ceramides delivers deep, lasting hydration that dry skin craves.
Niacinamide helps regulate sebum, but the creamy texture may feel heavy for very oily skin. Use a small amount and pat thoroughly.
Balances hydration across different zones. Use less product on the T-zone and more on dry cheeks.
Hypoallergenic-tested with soothing Panthenol and Ceramides. Patch test first, as it contains botanical extracts.
Niacinamide helps with acne, but contains several emollients and esters. Not fungal acne safe. Patch test recommended.
Results timeline
WEEK 10–12Immediate Hydration & Glow
Skin feels noticeably more hydrated, plump, and dewy. The milky texture leaves an instant glass-skin finish. Some users report a brighter appearance from the first use.
85% noticed improved hydrationSkin Tone Begins to Even Out
Niacinamide and TXA start visibly reducing redness and early signs of pigmentation. Skin texture feels smoother and more refined. Pores appear less visible.
60% noticed smoother textureVisible Dark Spot Fading
Consistent use shows measurable reduction in dark spots and post-acne marks. Clinical data shows 7.6% decrease in melanin pigment. Skin barrier feels significantly stronger.
70% noticed faded dark spotsFull Brightening & Radiance
Maximum brightening results from the TXA + Niacinamide + Alpha-Arbutin trio. Overall complexion appears more luminous and even. Continued use maintains and builds on results.
75% noticed overall brighter complexionRatings by platform
295+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Unique 2-in-1 cream-to-milky texture feels luxurious and hydrating
- Powerful multi-active brightening formula (TXA + Niacinamide + Arbutin + Glutathione)
- Noticeable skin glow and dewy glass-skin finish from first use
- Rich ceramide and HA complex strengthens the barrier while brightening
- No harsh alcohols, parabens, sulfates, or silicones
- Cruelty-free and hypoallergenic-tested
- Pregnancy-safe brightening ingredients
- Beautiful pink packaging and satisfying application experience
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe — multiple Malassezia triggers
- Cream texture may feel too heavy for very oily skin types
- Contains natural botanical fragrance (Jasmine, Vanilla) — not ideal for fragrance-sensitive users
- Pump dispenser can dispense too little product at a time
- Brightening results require consistent use over 6–12 weeks
- Ascorbic Acid concentration too low (0.15–0.25%) for standalone Vitamin C benefit
- Price point higher than some competitor toners
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains Niacinamide, Arbutin, and Vitamin C derivative for brightening at a much lower price. Lighter, watery texture. Lacks TXA, ceramides, and the rich milky formula. Fragrance-free and better for oily/FA-prone skin.
Shares the milky toner format with ceramides and barrier-repair focus. However, lacks all brightening actives (no TXA, Niacinamide, Arbutin). Better for pure hydration and sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and vegan.
Brightening essence with 95% Galactomyces ferment filtrate and Niacinamide. Lighter texture, focuses on tone balancing via fermented ingredient. Lacks TXA, ceramides, and multi-HA complex. Not FA-safe due to ferment.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly sealed between uses. No refrigeration required.
Opaque pink pump bottle — protects light-sensitive ingredients (Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide) from UV degradation.
No — 150ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this toner is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Both topical Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide have a good safety profile for expectant and nursing mothers. However, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast, including Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Octyldodecanol, and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider a FA-safe alternative like the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner.
Yes! Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid are both highly stable and play well with other actives. You can safely layer this toner with retinol (use retinol at night), Vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). For the best results, apply water-based serums first, then this milky toner, then thicker creams. If you experience any sensitivity from combining multiple actives, alternate them between AM and PM routines.
This toner works well for all skin types but is especially excellent for normal, dry, and combination skin. The rich, creamy texture delivers deep hydration that dry skin loves. Combination skin benefits from the niacinamide's sebum-regulating properties. Oily skin types can still use it but may want to apply a thinner layer. It is hypoallergenic-tested for sensitive skin but contains botanical extracts, so patch testing is recommended.
You will feel an immediate hydration and glow boost from the first use. For visible skin-tone evening and dark spot fading, expect to see noticeable results within 6–8 weeks of consistent daily use (AM and PM). Maximum brightening results typically appear at 10–12 weeks. Clinical testing showed a 7.6% decrease in melanin pigment and 3.4% increase in skin tone. Consistency is key — topical brightening ingredients require time to work.
Because of its creamy, emulsion-like texture, this toner is best applied AFTER lighter, water-based products. The recommended order is: Cleanser → Watery Toner (optional) → Serum/Ampoule → AprilSkin TXA Milky Toner → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM). AprilSkin recommends pairing it with their TXA Toning Shot 99 Spicule Serum as a prep step before the toner. Use it both morning and evening.
We rate this product a 2 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale, meaning it has a low-to-moderate risk of clogging pores. While it contains some emollients like Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and Ethylhexyl Palmitate that have moderate comedogenic ratings individually, the overall formula is clinically tested as non-comedogenic. The 5% Niacinamide actually helps regulate sebum and reduce clogged pores. If you are very acne-prone, start with a patch test on a small area for a few days.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal potency and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The opaque pump bottle helps protect the light-sensitive ingredients like Ascorbic Acid from degradation. If the product changes color, smell, or texture, discontinue use even if within the PAO period.
Verdict: The AprilSkin TXA Niacinamide 99 Milky Toner is an impressive multi-active brightening toner that punches above its weight. The combination of 3% high-purity TXA with 5% Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, 7 types of Hyaluronic Acid, and 4 Ceramides delivers a genuinely comprehensive formula for tackling dark spots and uneven tone while deeply hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier. The unique cream-to-milky texture feels luxurious and is unlike typical watery toners. However, it loses points for not being fungal acne safe, containing botanical fragrances, and having a texture that may be too rich for very oily skin. If you want a single product that brightens, hydrates, and protects the barrier — and fungal acne is not a concern — this is an excellent choice at its price point.
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
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|






