Most products for smoother, more even skin work by exfoliating. Level doesn’t. It targets pigmentation at multiple points in the cycle, from early to late, then soothes and protects so tone stays even. Aged skin isn’t only about wrinkles: sun spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone are major drivers of how aging reads on skin, and that is what Level is built for.
How It's Different
This serum is hyperfocused on hyperpigmentation. Level 2.0 puts 8 actives against short-term and long‑term hyperpigmentation, in the highest concentrations the research supports.
What we changed:
KT-939, a next-generation brightener, for next-level hyperpigmentation control. 4X more effective than Thiamidol.
Glabridin, added after the overwhelming response to our Glabra Drop, for a glow you’ll notice early.
Hyper-pure niacinamide, 10X purer than standard, for even better skin compatibility.
Dramatically improved color stability. Any color shifting is a thing of the past.
Regimen Tip
If you regularly use acids or retinols, apply Level first to maximize effectiveness.
The Regimen Standard
We obsess over the research, then obsess over the product. We test against the best and publish the full results. If we can’t perfect it, we don’t make it.
Proudly formulated + tested + manufactured in Canada 🇨🇦
Cruelty + irritant + bullshit free
Backed by detailed lab notes
Tested beyond industry norms
Pairs Well With:
Level Serum Version History
V2.0
Current
What stayed: the whole 1.0 brightening core, at the same concentrations. 5% niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid, 2% alpha arbutin, 2% N-acetylglucosamine.
What changed:
Lead brightener. Hexylresorcinol out, KT-939 in: four times the tyrosinase inhibition of Thiamidol in published head-to-head testing, with no cytotoxicity.
Licorice, consolidated. Glabridin replaces dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, licorice root extract, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine. One molecule instead of three ingredients: more expensive, more potent, and without the sticky afterfeel. Optimmunist was added for barrier support.
Antioxidant. Alpha-glucosylrutin replaces tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane and dimethylmethoxychromanol. It protects your skin and the formula itself, so 2.0 holds its colour to the end of the bottle.
Delivery. Re-engineered around Hansen Solubility Parameters, because KT-939 only works if it arrives dissolved and stable. 2,3-butanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and ethoxydiglycol replace propanediol and dimethyl isosorbide, and PEG solubilizers replace sclerotium gum, lecithin, and pullulan. Tested: no 1,4-dioxane detected.
Texture. PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether and PEG-8 replace betaine. Same hydration, richer feel.
Chelator. Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate replaces disodium EDTA. It does the same job and biodegrades.
Preservatives. None. 2.0 passed full challenge testing without phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, caprylyl glycol, or ethylhexylglycerin, so all four were removed.
V1.0
Original
The original Level formula: niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, and acetyl glucosamine with licorice-derived brighteners. Retired with the 2.0 release in September 2026.
The new gold standard skin brightener. KT-939 is a groundbreaking resorcinol derivative that outperforms Thiamidol by 4X.
5% Niacinamide + 2% N-Acetyl Glucosamine
This combination has been shown to even out skin tone and texture while boosting the skin barrier. Extreme-B3™ is the purest type of Niacinamide available with the lowest Niacin content at 10ppm (10X lower than average) to prevent flushing.
3% Tranexamic acid
A powerful discoloration-fading ingredient that visibly targets acne marks, age spots, and other stubborn blemishes. Its penetration mechanism is designed through Hansen Solubility Parameters.
2% Alpha Arbutin
A radiance-booster that reduces the appearance of skin sallowness.
0.5% Glabridin
The phytochemical in Licorice Root Extract that has the highest brightening activity compared to Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Glycyrrhizinic acid etc. It is challenging to purify which is reflected in its premium pricing.
An encapsulated marine-derived diatom (phytoplankton) oil concentrate that is clinically proven to immediately calm and soothe sensitized skin while boosting skin barrier repair.
0.25% Alpha-Glucosylrutin
An enzymatically glycosylated flavonoid antioxidant that provides soothing, brightening and anti-aging benefits to the skin. It also imparts protection and colour stability to Level 2.0.
Evens out the skin, calms and soothes, firms and prevents damage from every angle.
“Level Serum has worked really well for me. I had a dark spot in the middle of the face that is now almost gone. I’ve been using it twice a day every day for the past 4 months. It’s a very good product, I recommend it 100%.”
Zaida L
Performance in real routines
Complete your full regimen
Your Level Serum Questions, Answered:
What does it help with?
Level serum is mainly used to keep the skin spotless. Think of hyperpigmentation serums as a preventative solution before you form spots resulting from breakouts, 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. Most of these ingredients are also great at fading superficial pigments, especially in newer marks and spots. The secondary function of Level serum is calming the skin, especially acne-prone skin. It is also an excellent spot treatment for soothing breakouts and to help prevent resulting hyperpigmentation.
How do I use Level serum?
Apply a thin layer (2-3 pumps) to your face and neck. We recommend AM and PM use. We suggest starting once a day in the evening, gradually increasing to twice a day. As with all skincare products, patch test first on the forearm and then on a spot on the face before full, regular use.
Level serum is usually placed in the middle of a routine, after antioxidants but before using acids. Pro tip: Standard advice would suggest using acids first, but we've studied the penetration profiles of the actives in all our products - we recommend acid exfoliants go after Vitamin X and Level for best results and minimal irritation.
How soon will I see results?
Level Serum starts working to improve the look of spots and marks quickly. The best effects of the potent ingredients in Level will accumulate over 10-12 weeks, resulting in brighter and smoother looking skin with consistent use.
I already use Level 1.0, what changes for me?
Nothing about how you use it. We designed version 2.0 to work for everyone who uses 1.0 and we have extensively tested the update with regular users of Level 1.0 to verify this.
What changes is what arrives in your skin: the brightening core from our 1.0 formulation carries over, but now KT-939, glabridin replaces three separate 1.0 actives, and Level 2.0 now stays color-stable for its whole shelf life. The full change list lives in the version history in the changelog here.
Does it cause purging?
Yes it can. Like most niacinamide products, it disrupts deeply-seated microbial biofilms which normally evade the skin immune system. When disrupted, the skin can now recognize the acne-causing microbes and mount an immune response in the form of acne. This is temporary and will clear out in 2 weeks.
Can I use it with my sensitive skin?
Yes, Level 2.0 now features a more barrier-friendly approach. It is formulated with Optimmunist that immediately calms and soothes the skin while boosting the skin barrier. The delivery system is also re-engineered to account for healthier skin barrier.
Are there ingredients that I should avoid when using Level?
Try to avoid applying oxidizing agents like Hypochlorous acid or Benzoyl Peroxide at the same time as Level serum. We recommend using these first, then wait 15 minutes, apply another serum as a buffer, then apply Level serum. Also avoid applying at the same time as copper peptides. We recommend applying Level serum first, then wait for 5-10 minutes, space out with other serums, then apply copper peptides. Other peptides are okay to use, only the copper in copper peptide is the problem as it interacts with the resorcinol ring on KT-939.
Can I use it with retinoids or exfoliating acids?
Yes, you can use it at the same time as retinoids or acids. Try to avoid introducing it while your skin is still adjusting to retinoids or acids. When your skin is more used to retinoids or acids, then you can introduce Level. On the other hand, if your skin is used to Level already, you can use it with retinoids and exfoliating acids. Using retinoids and exfoliating acids can boost the brightening effects of Level serum.
Can I use it as Post-Laser Treatment?
Yes, we partner with spas and clinics, and Level is used as an excellent post-laser treatment to prevent rebound hyperpigmentation caused by lasers like Fractional CO2 lasers. Level 2.0 helps accelerate repair and is excellent for calming down the skin. Pair it with C.R.E.A.M. 2.0 for the best post-laser treatment results.
Can I use it with other Niacinamide products?
You may. The only downside to using two niacinamide products is that the application of one niacinamide product decreases the penetration of subsequent niacinamide in the skin. So we suggest finishing your current niacinamide product or switching fully to Level 2.0.
Lab Notes
Insights from inside the lab. Discover the research, data, and experiments shaping the future of Regimen skincare.
