Regimen Lab level serum is a thin water-based serum that can help in reducing hyperpigmentation and redness. It has multiple ingredients to improve these skin concerns. Read about the usage and ingredients in the detailed review below.
My skin and hyperpigmentation
I have been dealing with rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis for over a decade. Azelaic acid has helped me immensely in dealing with both of these issues.
However, from years of using harsh skincare products and inflammation due to the above-mentioned skin conditions, I have residual hyperpigmentation. It is not superficial but rather deep or dermal (in deeper layers of skin) which is hard to get rid of.
In addition, I get some random mild redness here and there if some rosacea element of my skin is not happy.
The brand
Regimen Lab is a brand founded in Toronto. Its products are cruelty-free and are manufactured in Canada. As of now it doesn’t have a long list of products but a few products which are favorites of many. These are free of fragrance and essential oils making them sensitive skin friendly.
What the brand says
“Happier skin correlates with smoother skin. We use 9 active ingredients in Level to fight short-term and long-term hyperpigmentation. Below the surface, Level’s actives work to reduce inflammation, improve firming, and prevent damage.”
In their frequently asked questions, there was mention of this question:
What does it do, and What does it help with?
“Level serum is mainly used to keep the skin spotless. It is a preventative solution before you form spots resulting from acne, sun damage, aging, etc. The ingredients used in Level Serum are shown across multiple studies to help prevent the formation of many kinds of pigments.
The secondary function of Level serum is decreasing inflammation and acne for smoother skin. It is also an excellent spot treatment for breakouts to reduce inflammation and help prevent resulting hyperpigmentation.”
Ingredients
Aqua, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Alpha Arbutin, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Hexylresorcinol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Notable ingredients
Regimen lab level serum has a rather long list of multiple actives in one serum. Not very often you will find such a product. Let me just list them below:
- 5% Niacinamide
- 2% N-Acetyl Glucosamine
- 3% Tranexamic Acid
- 2% Alpha Arbutin
- 2% Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine
- 1% Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate
- 0.5% Hexylresorcinol
- 5% Betaine
- Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
- Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Wow, that is impressive. It has multiple actives to target hyperpigmentation. These ingredients can target the formation of pigment in our skin at multiple levels. Let’s talk a little about them.
1. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is such a versatile ingredient that can target multiple skin issues:
- Damaged skin barrier
- Aging and large pores
- Hyperpigmentation / Melasma / Dark spots (It inhibits the transfer of melanin pigment from the melanocytes which are the cells that make melanin pigment to the surrounding skin cells)
- Redness and Post-inflammatory erythema
- Antioxidant benefits
I always try to include it in my routine to keep my skin calm. Another good thing is that the concentration of niacinamide in this serum is 5%, right on the spot to help our skin without causing irritation.
2. N-acetyl glucosamine
N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) can benefit our skin in multiple ways:
- Combines with glucuronic acid to form hyaluronic acid, which is a great humectant and can increase the moisture content of our skin
- Facilitates skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells aka exfoliation process
- Reduces hyperpigmentation (inhibits activation of enzyme tyrosinase which makes the melanin pigment)
It can be very efficacious when used along with niacinamide for hyperpigmentation. There aren’t making products with this superb combination.
3. Tranexamic acid
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic version of an amino acid – lysine. It can decrease melanin pigment and the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the deeper layers of the skin. It can be beneficial for both hyperpigmentation and redness.
So, I try to include this ingredient in my routine. However, the topical form of tranexamic acid is not as efficacious as the oral form.
4. Alpha-arbutin
Arbutin breaks down into hydroquinone leading to its slow release. It can help hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which makes the melanin pigment. There are different forms of arbutin and alpha arbutin is more potent than the natural beta arbutin.
5. Undecylenoyl phenylalanine
Undecylenoyl phenylalanine is derived from phenylalanine and it can block the pathway which stimulates the formation of melanin pigment by melanocytes.
6. Licorice extract
Licorice extract is obtained from the root of Glycyrrhiza Glabra. It has several benefits for the skin:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Wound healing
- Dark spot reduction
7. Hexylresorcinol
Hexylresorcinol can help with hyperpigmentation by decreasing melanin pigment formation by inhibiting both tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1).
8. Dimethylmethoxy chromanol
Dimethylmethoxy chromanol is a relatively new ingredient that is a potent antioxidant and can inhibit tyrosinase enzyme.
9. Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane and Betaine
These are great anti-inflammatory agents.
How to use it?
What the brand recommends
- “Apply a thin layer (about half a pump) to your face and neck. Use after Vitamin X or your antioxidant/Vitamin C serum
- We recommend AM and PM use
- Pro tip: If you regularly use acids/retinol, use Level after application to maximize effectiveness”
How I used it
I have used niacinamide in the past, so I wasn’t worried much about irritation from that. Regimen Lab Level serum has multiple other ingredients that may or may not irritate the skin. So, I did a patch test and had no irritation.
I started using it twice every day from the very start. I used it on damp skin just after washing my face followed by a moisturizer and azelaic acid (either over-the-counter serum or my prescription).
It doesn’t matter in which order you use this. For me, it absorbs the best when applied on damp skin.
Packaging
The Level serum comes in pump packaging in a 30 ml bottle. However, I didn’t like the pump. I had to tilt it at multiple angles to get the product out. Most of the time, holding the bottle horizontally helped to get the product out. I am not sure if this was the issue with their packaging in general or just with my bottle.
Recently I have seen that there are some changes to their packaging as seen on the website so hopefully the pump has improved.
Texture and feel
I love the texture of the Regimen Lab Level serum. It is a clear serum with a very thin, almost watery consistency. It spreads easily on the skin and you don’t need a lot to cover the whole face. I usually used one pump.
It feels super light on the skin and absorbs almost immediately. It doesn’t leave any sticky residue and you can’t even tell you have applied anything on the skin.
It did not cause any pilling issues or did not interfere with the application of any other skincare or makeup products. It doesn’t smell of anything.
Results
This thing works! I have two issues – redness and hyperpigmentation as I mentioned above. There is some redness that I have from broken capillaries which cannot be treated with any topical product and I will need in-office treatment for that.
In addition, I get some random redness due to weather or spicy food and all. And this serum calms down that redness pretty well for me.
When it comes to hyperpigmentation, I have a lot of dermal hyperpigmentation and I was not expecting any topical product to get rid of it completely. However, Regimen Lab Level serum made a very subtle difference. In addition, if I get a random spot on my chin or along my jaw due to hormonal imbalances, it fades fast.
So yes, this serum does live up to its hype. If you are someone dealing with melasma, dark spots, or post-inflammatory erythema/redness, this might be a great addition to your routine.
A note for pregnant and nursing women
This product contains arbutin which breaks down to hydroquinone so I would avoid it if I were pregnant or nursing. Look into other ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C which can help with hyperpigmentation and are also safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Value for money
It is not cheap but when I think about getting multiple actives in one product then the price is not bad. Just like the packaging, I have seen some changes in the price (currently listed at $42 on the website). It was higher before and now it is lower so “YAY” for that.
I got it when it was on sale and I paired it with the cleanser (Tabula Rasa) to get free shipping.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Multiple actives in one product
- Light formulation
- Effective for hyperpigmentation and redness
Cons
- Not widely available
- The pump did not work well
Will I buy it again?
I will buy it again and I’m really curious to test their new packaging to see if there is any change to the pump.
Where to buy?
Check for price and availability:
Alternatives
If you are looking for a serum with similar ingredients for hyperpigmentation, you have several options. However, they don’t have each and every ingredient found in the Regimen Lab Level serum.
You can take a look at my post on ingredients for hyperpigmentation. You will get details on all the ingredients and how they work. Look for those ingredients when you are choosing a serum.
Below are 5 alternatives:
1. Paula’s Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum
Key Ingredients: 3% Tranexamic acid, 5% Niacinamide, 0.5% Bakuchiol
This has a combination of tranexamic acid and niacinamide to fight hyperpigmentation and bakuchiol for fine lines. View at [Amazon] [Paula’s Choice] [Sephora]
2. Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum with Niacinamide 5%
This is an affordable choice with a combination of tranexamic acid and niacinamide. View at [Amazon] [Cosde Baha]
3. Skinmedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
Key ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Niacinamide
This has multiple actives to fight hyperpigmentation. This is an expensive choice however do note that you are getting 60 ml/2oz as compared to many serums which are 30 ml/1oz. View at [Dermstore] [Skinmedica]
4. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
Key Ingredients: 3% Tranexamic Acid, 1% Kojic Acid, 5% Niacinamide
This is another serum combining tranexamic acid and niacinamide with kojic acid to help with hyperpigmentation. View at [Dermstore] [Skinceuticals]
Summary and score
This is a rare combination of multiple actives to fight hyperpigmentation. It targets melanin pigment from before its formation to after its formation. In addition, it can decrease inflammation and redness.
Review Rating: 4.8/5
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.