EvenWell Dark Spot Serum: Two Versions, and the Sensitive One Leaves Out the Acids

We sell two dark spot serums, both 1 fl oz. The difference between them is real and well thought out.

	EvenWell (standard)	EvenWell for Sensitive Skin
Price	$20.00	$27.90
Kojic acid	Yes	No
Azelaic acid	Yes	No
Niacinamide	Yes	No
Hexylresorcinol	Yes	No
Fragrance	Contains fragrance	None listed
Approach	Active acids + niacinamide	Mushroom and botanical extracts

Note the sensitive version costs more. That is worth saying plainly — the gentler product is the pricier one, which is the opposite of what people expect.

The standard EvenWell — $20.00

The more active of the two, with four targeted ingredients:

• Kojic acid — a fermentation-derived compound, the same active as in our Kojic Acid & Turmeric Soap
• Azelaic acid
• Niacinamide — also in our 10% Niacinamide Serum, so there is overlap if you use both
• Hexylresorcinol

Plus shiitake and turkey tail mushroom extracts, sea fennel, chamomile, green tea, pomegranate seed oil, grapeseed oil, resveratrol, atelocollagen and vitamin E.

It contains fragrance. On a leave-on facial product with four actives, that is the thing most likely to tip sensitive skin over.

The sensitive version — $27.90

Built on a different principle. From our own product page:

"It does not contain typical brightening acids such as Kojic Acid. Instead, we rely on clinically tested natural ingredients such as adaptogenic mushrooms."

The actives here are Lentinus edodes (shiitake) and Trametes versicolor (turkey tail) extracts, with sea fennel, jackfruit, rice, calendula, chamomile, green tea and galangal root.

No fragrance listed. No acids. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free per the badges.

Which to buy

• Normal, resilient skin that tolerates actives: the standard version, and it is cheaper
• Sensitive, reactive, or fragrance-intolerant skin: the sensitive version
• Already using 10% niacinamide or retinol: the sensitive version, to avoid stacking actives on actives
• Never used a brightening product before: start with the sensitive version, then step up if nothing happens

Chamomile is in both, and it is in the daisy family — relevant if you have a ragweed allergy.

Sunscreen is not optional with these

Our own directions for the standard version say to finish a daytime routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen. That is not a formality.

Sun exposure is the main driver of the uneven tone these products address. Using a brightening serum without daily sunscreen is undoing the work as fast as you do it. If you are only going to do one of the two, do the sunscreen — it will achieve more than either serum.

Honest expectations

Our label says it: no guaranteed result is promised, results vary, and the serum does not promise to remove pigmentation permanently.

These are cosmetic products that address the appearance of uneven tone. They do not treat melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or any pigmentary condition. Those have real dermatological treatments, and a serum is not a substitute for that appointment.

Timescale is months, not weeks. Patch test first and introduce gradually, particularly with the acid-containing version.

How to apply

A small amount to clean, dry skin, massaged in until absorbed. After cleansing, before moisturiser. See the layering guide.

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.