With a serum for the look of dark spots, the two things that most affect the result are where the product sits in your routine and daytime protection. The directions for Hit The Spot keep the two apart: the serum belongs to the evening, sunscreen to the morning.
In short: Hit The Spot, which contains tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin, is applied in the evening to cleansed skin (after toner, if you use one), 3–4 drops at a time. For overall uneven tone, spread it over the whole face; for noticeable dark spots, concentrate it on those areas. Moisturiser goes on top, and sunscreen the next morning. The formula contains 2% tranexamic acid and 2% alpha arbutin, together with niacinamide. At first, use it and Shine On You on different evenings.
How do you use a tranexamic acid serum? Step by step
In the evening routine, Hit The Spot is used after cleansing and toner and before moisturiser.
- Cleanse and dry. If you use a toner, apply it before the serum.
- Take 3–4 drops. Spread them over the whole face or concentrate them on areas with the look of dark spots; do not apply around the eyes.
- Press in gently. Once the serum has absorbed, move on to the next step.
- Moisturise. Finish your evening routine with a moisturiser.
- Apply sunscreen in the morning. If you are outdoors, reapply during the day.
Should you apply it to the whole face or only to areas with dark spots?
The choice depends on how the look of dark spots is distributed across your face; both ways of applying it are included in the product directions.
- Whole face: if the difference in tone has spread across the cheeks, forehead and chin, or your complexion looks uneven overall, spread the 3–4 drops over your whole face in a thin layer.
- Targeted: if you have a few noticeable dark spots caused by the sun or left after breakouts, concentrate the same amount on those areas; there is no need to use more.
- Where not to apply it: around the eyes and on irritated or reddened skin.
Can you use a tranexamic acid serum every day, and morning or evening?
Yes, it can be used every day; Hit The Spot is designed for regular use, preferably in the evening. Sensitive skin can start with a few evenings a week and increase the frequency as the skin adjusts.
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleansing | Cleansing, then toner if you use one |
| 2 | Moisturiser | Hit The Spot, 3–4 drops |
| 3 | Sunscreen | Moisturiser |
In a routine with Hit The Spot in the evening, the last step in the morning can be Crush On Pink SPF 50+ Pink-Tinted Sunscreen; its pink texture also works as a make-up base. If you do not need a make-up base, Just Protected From Sun SPF 50+ Hybrid Sunscreen can take that step instead.
Can tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin be used together?
Yes; Hit The Spot contains both in the same formula, so there is no need to add a separate tranexamic acid or arbutin product to your routine. A study reviewing the use of tranexamic acid on the skin describes its ability to inhibit melanin formation; a review on arbutin describes its inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis and the antioxidant properties that may contribute to it, and reports that the use of arbutin together with other actives has also been studied. These findings relate to the ingredients; in Hit The Spot, the two sit together with niacinamide as three active ingredients aimed at the look of dark spots and uneven tone. What each ingredient is, on its own, is covered in our articles what is tranexamic acid and what is alpha arbutin.
Rice Rice Baby and Rice You Up also contain tranexamic acid. If you use one of them, keep it for the morning and Hit The Spot for the evening; giving each formula its own time slot makes for more orderly use.
How do you use Hit The Spot and Shine On You in the same routine?
Both products are used in the evening; at first, use them on different evenings, and once your skin is used to both, you can apply them on the same evening: the serum first, followed by a thin layer of the cream. Starting them separately lets you see how your skin responds to each product.
| Feature | Hit The Spot | Shine On You |
|---|---|---|
| Key actives | 2% tranexamic acid + 2% alpha arbutin | 7% azelaic acid + 3% niacinamide |
| Format | Serum | Cream |
| First few weeks | Evenings when Shine On You is not applied | Every other evening |
| Skin used to both | Same evening, first layer | A thin layer after the serum |
Shine On You Azelaic Acid Cream is added to the routine if the look of dark spots comes with the look of redness and post-blemish marks. You may feel mild tingling or warmth during the first few applications; if the sensation turns into burning or lasts a long time, stop using the cream.
Why do you need sunscreen when using a tranexamic acid serum?
The sun is one of the main factors that contribute to the look of dark spots, so the evening serum and daytime protection are two halves of the same routine. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using sunscreen every day before going outside; a review on sunscreens also summarises the evidence on how effective these products are in preventing uneven pigmentation as well as photoageing.
Hit The Spot: what's in the formula, and who is it for?
Hit The Spot Dark Spot Serum is an evening serum for the look of dark spots and uneven tone on combination, normal and oily skin. Other s'hevec products aimed at the same look are brought together in our collection of products for the look of dark spots and uneven tone.
| Feature | Hit The Spot |
|---|---|
| Key actives | 2% tranexamic acid (Tranexamic Acid) + 2% alpha arbutin (Alpha-Arbutin) |
| Supporting ingredients | Niacinamide, 8D hyaluronic acid, liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract) |
| Skin type | Combination, normal, oily; low frequency on sensitive skin |
| Time and volume | Preferably evening · 30 ml |
Liquorice root is a supporting ingredient in the formula with no stated concentration; the main work on the look of dark spots is done by tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin. Our guide liquorice root extract in skincare sets out what this plant extract is and what the sources do and do not say about it.
Before first use, do a patch test on the inner forearm. What the serum does not do:
- It does not change the look of dark spots overnight; any change is seen with regular use.
- It does not replace sunscreen.
- It is not meant for a mole or lesion that is new, looks different from the others, changes, itches or bleeds; that is not a cosmetic matter, and the AAD recommends seeing a dermatologist in this case.
Frequently asked questions
Can Hit The Spot be used on post-blemish marks?
The serum's focus also covers the look of dark marks left after breakouts. Pitted or raised scars, however, are a difference in texture, not colour; the serum does not correct them. Care by type of mark is covered in our article on post-blemish marks and scars.
Will the look of dark spots come back when I stop using the serum?
If you stop using sun protection, uneven tone can become noticeable again. Even if you stop using the serum, keep using sunscreen every day.
Can Hit The Spot be used on sensitive skin?
The skin types recommended on the label of Hit The Spot are combination, normal and oily skin; on sensitive skin, start with a few evenings a week and with a patch test on the inner forearm first. Watching how your skin responds is as important as how often you use it. If redness or itching remains on your face the morning after a night you used the serum, reduce the frequency; if it persists, stop using the serum.
Can Hit The Spot be used during pregnancy?
Hit The Spot contains tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin together with niacinamide. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, consult your doctor before use.
Sources
- Gaćina K et al. The use of tranexamic acid in dermatology. Acta Clin Croat. 2023.
- Boo YC. Arbutin as a Skin Depigmenting Agent with Antimelanogenic and Antioxidant Properties. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021.
- Guan LL et al. Sunscreens and Photoaging: A Review of Current Literature. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Healthier-looking skin.
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. s'hevec products are cosmetic products and are not intended for medical treatment. It was prepared by the s'hevec Team on the basis of the s'hevec product data library and the sources listed above.
