TIRTIR Niacinamide 20% Serum | Brightening + Pore Serum (30ml)
TIRTIR Niacinamide 20% Serum | Brightening + Pore Serum (30ml)
This Is 20%.
What It Is
TIRTIR Niacinamide 20% Serum is a concentrated multi-active treatment built for people who are serious about dark spots, uneven tone, enlarged pores, and dullness — and done with slow results. Most niacinamide serums top out at 5%. This one starts at 20%, stacking it with four complementary actives that each attack hyperpigmentation, oil imbalance, and skin aging from a different angle. The result: a fragrance-free, lightweight formula that absorbs fast and works systemically on tone, texture, and resilience — morning or night, every day.
Why 20% Niacinamide Changes Everything
The 5-Active Brightening Stack — What Each One Does
The cornerstone of the formula. At 20%, niacinamide (Vitamin B3) inhibits the transfer of melanosomes — the cellular packages carrying pigment — to surface skin cells, progressively fading existing dark spots. Simultaneously it: regulates oil and sebum production (Zinc PCA works alongside it here), boosts ceramide synthesis to strengthen the skin barrier, visibly minimizes pore appearance, and reduces redness and blemish inflammation. One molecule, seven documented skin benefits.
A stable, gentle tyrosinase inhibitor — meaning it blocks the enzyme directly responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that creates dark spots, post-acne marks, and sun damage). At 2%, it works synergistically alongside niacinamide to attack hyperpigmentation through two separate pathways simultaneously, making the combined effect significantly stronger than either active used alone.
Included at a functional, non-irritating concentration that supports skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left by acne and blemishes) over time. Niacinamide and retinol are a well-documented complementary pair — niacinamide buffers retinol's potential for irritation while retinol accelerates cell renewal, amplifying the brightening results. Use this serum PM for maximum retinol benefit; always follow with SPF in the morning.
Known as the "master antioxidant," glutathione neutralizes free radicals that trigger oxidative stress and melanin overproduction. As a topical ingredient it contributes to a skin-brightening effect by interrupting melanin synthesis and protecting cells from environmental damage. Works as a defense layer alongside niacinamide and alpha-arbutin's direct brightening actions.
A compound combining zinc with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) — the skin's own natural moisturizing factor. Zinc PCA regulates sebum production, helps prevent pore congestion, has antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria, and soothes skin inflammation. Makes this serum genuinely effective for oily and acne-prone skin rather than just brightening-focused types.
Supporting Cast — Hydration & Skin Health
Three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid — standard Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (smaller molecules that penetrate deeper), and Sodium Hyaluronate — work at different depths in the skin simultaneously. Together they bind moisture throughout multiple skin layers, keeping skin plump and comfortable even while actives like niacinamide and retinol are working.
Macadamia ternifolia seed oil is rich in palmitoleic acid — a fatty acid that closely mimics the skin's natural sebum composition, making it exceptionally compatible and non-greasy. It reinforces the lipid barrier and prevents transepidermal water loss. Corn kernel extract provides additional antioxidant and soothing support.
Chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from natural sources that forms a film on the skin, helping to retain moisture, calm blemishes, and support barrier integrity. Fructan is a plant-derived prebiotic carbohydrate that helps balance the skin microbiome — supporting the "good bacteria" ecosystem that keeps skin resilient and clear-looking.
Perfect For
- Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
- Post-acne marks (PIH)
- Uneven, dull, or tired-looking skin
- Enlarged or visible pores
- Oily & combination skin types
- Acne-prone skin needing oil control
- Skin showing early signs of aging
- Anyone who's plateaued on 5–10% niacinamide
- Sun damage & uneven skin tone
- "Glass skin" goals — evening and brightening
What to Expect — Results Timeline
*Timeline is based on consistent daily use and individual results will vary. Hyperpigmentation treatment typically requires 8–12 weeks of continued use for visible fading. No topical product eliminates hyperpigmentation instantly.
How To Use
Safe to layer under any SPF. Niacinamide primes skin for hydration and shields barrier.
PM use maximizes retinol benefit. The retinol in this formula works during overnight cell renewal cycles.
- Always patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear for 24–48 hours before first full-face use. 20% niacinamide is potent — particularly for those who have never used niacinamide serums before.
- Start every other night. Sensitive skin types should introduce this serum 3×/week for 2 weeks before daily use. Niacinamide is generally well tolerated, but higher concentrations can cause temporary flushing or tingling on first exposure.
- Niacin flush is temporary. A mild, brief warmth or redness immediately after application can occur with high-concentration niacinamide in some individuals. This is harmless and typically subsides within minutes. If persistent redness occurs, reduce frequency.
- Do not combine with low-pH acids in the same step. Wait for acid toners to fully absorb before applying, or separate to different PM routines.
- SPF is non-negotiable if using AM. Retinol and niacinamide both increase photosensitivity to varying degrees. Broad-spectrum SPF is required every morning when using this serum — otherwise you're actively slowing the brightening process.
- Store away from direct sunlight. Retinol degrades under light exposure. Keep in a cool, dark location between uses.
- Consistency is the entire game. Hyperpigmentation takes 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use to visibly fade. Weekly use will not deliver the results shown in before/afters.
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Alpha-Arbutin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Fructan, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glucose, Chitosan, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Glutathione, Zinc PCA
Product Details
| Brand | TIRTIR (Trust In Radiance · Seoul, Korea · Est. 2016) |
| Product | Niacinamide 20% Serum |
| Net Weight | 30ml / 1.01 fl oz |
| Lead Active | Niacinamide 20% (200,000ppm) |
| Supporting Actives | Alpha-Arbutin 2%, Retinol, Glutathione, Zinc PCA |
| Hydration Complex | Triple Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid + Hydrolyzed HA + Sodium Hyaluronate) |
| Skin Type | All skin types · Especially oily, combination, acne-prone, hyperpigmentation-prone |
| Key Claims | Brightening · Pore-minimizing · Oil control · Anti-aging · Barrier support |
| Free Of | Fragrance · Parabens · Sulfates · Harsh alcohols |
| Testing | Dermatologically tested |
| Country of Origin | Republic of Korea |
| Usage | AM & PM · Requires SPF during AM use (contains retinol) |
| Best For | Dark spots, post-acne marks, uneven tone, enlarged pores, dullness |