Topicals reviews and discussion

4.3

84% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective hyperpigmentation treatment results
  • Calming relief for reactive skin
  • Playful, distinctive packaging
  • Lightweight, layer-friendly textures
  • Strong sulfuric product odor
  • Occasional drying, irritating formulas
  • Fussy metal tube packaging
  • Messy, awkward spray applicators

Topicals earns strong reviews for products that visibly fade hyperpigmentation (Faded serum, High Roller) and calm sensitive, reactive skin (Like Butter), indicating the brand works when used consistently. However, many reviews criticize the sulfuric/chemical smell, occasional dryness or irritation, and fussy metal tubes or messy sprays, making the experience divisive despite cute, thoughtful packaging.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

111 reviews and posts

  • I've been using the Faded and actually seeing results for my dark spots and hyperpigmentation that I haven't seen from trying other products! It doesn't smell great, but I would rather that than covering it with fragrances that would irritate the skin.

  • As an Asian girl who's struggled with hyperpigmentation for most of my life, I was ecstatic to try this product. However, it fell pretty flat for me. I've been using it for over 2 months and have seen no results. I will continue to use this product until I run out since a little goes a long way, but I do not see myself repurchasing. The topical cream also had a very pungent odor that was overwhelming and took some getting used to.

  • The Topicals Faded Serum and Like Butter Moisturizer are staples in my routine. The faded serum is slowly lightening my hyper pigmentation while the Like Butter moisturizer works great at dealing in hydration. I’m excited to try more of their body products!

  • Shaving down there sometimes is not the best experience. I swear by Topicals High Roller Ingrown HairTonic with AHA and BHA. I’ve been using it for almost a year after every time I shave, right after the shower. It soothes everything and creates less ingrown hairs! The roller ball application is really key and it’s unscented.

  • Obsessed with this brand and love the founder. The products they are making are important. I've tried the Faded cream - it smells horrible but it WORKS (just be careful how you use it in conjunction with your other products like AHAs/BHAs). I love the Topicals brand in addition to their products - it's very bold, bright and black! Want to try the Like Butter next.

  • I’ve used the faded serum the last couple of months and it works like magic. The smell is a little unpleasant, but overall great product.

  • I’ve struggled with hyperpigmentation from acne for years. They would typically last for months, and while I’ve used other skincare products to help, I think Faded really does work with consistent use.

    Feedback

    Faded could smell better but I think it’s worth it for the results.

  • The faded is fine -- nothing that you wouldn't get with a Paula's choice 2% or p50 from Biologie Recherche. That being said, I would have loved if these were more masks

  • Love the mask—great for my sensitive skin. And the brand is a home run.

    Feedback

    Would love to see more products.

  • Topicals really put their money where their mouth is. Incredible products that show results, are conscious of diversity of skin tones, and are doing an exceptional job of making dermatology more accessible.

    Feedback

    This is a tiny thing but they should have included the application process on the actual tube instead of on the box alone.

  • If you have the like better mask and moisturizer, use them together! They were a game changer for me, they bring on so much hydration to my skin, giving it also a cooling affect, try it out!

  • 10/10! I have several products from this company ( fade cream, ingrown roller, brightening mist, slather, and the eye patches) and they all work. Consistency is key with skincare. As long as you are consistent with the products you will see results.

  • I have the topicals like butter body hydrating and soothing mist. I bought it because I have dry skin and wanted something quick to put on after a shower.

    Feedback

    It works fine but I cannot stand the smell. The scent changes and lingers and I stopped using it because of how much I dislike the smell. Also, the bottle is completely opaque so there’s no way to tell how full it is.

  • I saw faded being hyped up everywhere and was so excited because I really struggled with my dark spots. I went through a mini tube and a full size tube and am sad to say that I really didn’t notice a huge difference. My dark spots faded slightly but it was not at a faster rate than usual. I found other products to be more effective.

    Feedback

    The packaging can get really messy if you’re not careful! It’s definitely not travel friendly.

  • I bought this for a friend recently and she absolutely loved it and said it worked wonders on her dark spots!

  • I bought Faded by Topicals to clear up a few dark marks from being out in the sun. What nobody tells you is that this product smells horrible!! It definitely began to work pretty quickly, but it broke my skin out (and smelled awful) so I had to stop.

  • Great product, especially the hyperpigmentation cream. I have eczema occasionally and have to deal with some scars and hyperpigmentation on my shoulders after an attack. This cream does the job without drying out my skin!

    Feedback

    Sometimes the product gets sold out for a long time at my closest sephora.

  • I have been using the Faded serum for a few months now, and it has made a significant difference in my dark spots. Although my skin is relatively clear, when I do break out, it leaves a horrible dark spot. Finding products that work with darker skin and fade the marks over time has been a challenge, but this might be the best I’ve tried yet! It takes time, but it works.