Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum (2026 Reformulation)

February 2026 reformulation of Topicals' cult brightening serum: removed coconut oil (high comedogenicity rating, contrary to the brand's acne-prone target consumer), removed palm butter (sustainability concerns), and added zinc ricinoleate and ethylene brassylate to neutralise the original's sulfur-like odour. Core actives retained: tranexamic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, glutathione, kojic acid dipalmitate, licorice root, centella asiatica. Skinskool match score: 95/100 vs. original. Price: $38 (up 5.5% from $36). A founder-led brand revising a cult product on community feedback rather than a marketing cycle — and removing comedogenic and environmentally-flagged ingredients — materially strengthens Topicals' credibility in the clean segment. Cleanwashing watch: the new formula includes ethylene brassylate, a synthetic musk (EWG score 1) — not hazardous, but consumers seeking fully fragrance-free formulations should note its presence.