Okay, besties, let’s talk about a product that’s been making waves in the skincare world, especially among those of us obsessed with bright, even, glass-like skin. I got my hands on the APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cream (55ml) after scouring the internet for something that would take my skin from dull to dewy goddess real quick. So, is it the holy grail of brightening creams, or is it just another jar taking up space on my vanity? Buckle up, because I have thoughts.

What’s in It? (A.K.A. The Ingredients That Matter)

Let’s be real, we’ve all been burned (literally or figuratively) by skincare products that promise us the world and deliver… nothing. So I went deep into the ingredient list before even slathering this on my face. Here’s what stood out:

Glutathione – The star of the show! This antioxidant is all about brightening, reducing hyperpigmentation, and fighting off free radicals like your skin’s personal bodyguard.

Niacinamide (5%) – If you’ve been in the skincare game for even a second, you know niacinamide is that girl. It helps with uneven skin tone, fine lines, and even oil production. Basically, a multitasking queen.

Hyaluronic Acid – Hydration station. This keeps your skin bouncy and plump, which is key if you want that youthful, dewy look.

Centella Asiatica – Soothing and anti-inflammatory, great for anyone who deals with irritation or redness.

Ceramides – These help strengthen your skin barrier, which is crucial if you’re using actives in your routine.

Already, this ingredient lineup had me very interested. It’s like a greatest hits album of skincare all packed into one jar.

Texture & Application: Lightweight or Greasy?

The first thing I noticed when I opened the jar was how creamy but lightweight this moisturizer felt. It’s not thick like a night cream, but it’s not a runny gel either—it sits somewhere in between, which I love. It spreads easily and absorbs pretty quickly without leaving that weird sticky residue.

For my fellow combination/oily skin folks, you won’t feel greasy after applying this. My skin felt soft and hydrated, but never suffocated. If you have dry skin, though, you might want to layer this with a heavier moisturizer at night for that extra moisture boost

Performance: Did It Actually Brighten My Skin?

So, I didn’t expect overnight miracles because we all know skincare takes time. But after about two weeks, I started noticing a change. My skin looked brighter, more even, and just… healthier. You know that glow you get after drinking tons of water and getting eight hours of sleep? (Okay, I never get eight hours, but you get the point.) That’s what this cream started doing for me.

By week four, my dark spots and post-acne marks were noticeably faded. My skin tone looked more uniform, and I wasn’t reaching for my concealer as much. It wasn’t a dramatic overnight transformation, but it was the kind of steady improvement that made me actually excited to use this every day.

Breakouts & Sensitivity: Safe for Acne-Prone Skin?

As someone whose skin can be super dramatic, I was nervous that this would clog my pores or break me out. But honestly? No irritation, no weird little bumps, nothing. If anything, my skin looked smoother and felt less oily throughout the day, which I’m guessing is thanks to that niacinamide working its magic. If you have really sensitive skin, I’d still recommend patch-testing first, but overall, this cream seems pretty gentle.

How It Plays with Other Products

You know when you find a moisturizer you love, but then it decides to pill under your sunscreen or foundation? Yeah, that’s a hard pass for me. Luckily, this one layers beautifully. It didn’t mess with my SPF, and my makeup went on just fine without any weird separation.

One thing to note: If you’re using strong actives like retinol or AHAs, this pairs well with them since it’s soothing and hydrating. I had no issues layering it with my retinol serum at night.

The Packaging: Simple & Functional

I’m not gonna lie, the packaging isn’t anything to write home about. It’s a simple, no-fuss jar, which I don’t mind because the formula inside is what really matters. But if you’re a germaphobe, you might not love dipping your fingers into it daily. A pump or tube would have been chef’s kiss, but we can’t have everything.

The Price: Worth It?

For 55ml, the price is pretty reasonable considering the ingredient list and how well it works. It’s not drugstore cheap, but it’s also not “I need to take out a loan” expensive like some luxury creams that barely do anything. A little goes a long way, so this jar should last a solid two to three months with daily use.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you’re on the hunt for a brightening moisturizer that actually delivers, APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cream is absolutely worth trying. It’s got all the good stuff—glutathione, niacinamide, ceramides, and hydration—without any of the unnecessary filler ingredients that just sit on your skin.

Pros:

✅ Noticeable brightening effect over time

✅ Lightweight but hydrating texture

✅ No greasy residue, absorbs well

✅ Layers well with other skincare & makeup

✅ Doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation

Cons:

❌ Comes in a jar (not the most hygienic)

❌ Might not be rich enough for very dry skin

Would I Repurchase?

Absolutely. This has earned a permanent spot in my routine, and unless I find something miraculously better, I’ll be buying it again. If you’ve got dull, uneven skin and want a moisturizer that actually does something, do yourself a favor and give this one a shot.

And if you’ve tried it already, let me know—did it work for you, or is there another brightening cream I need to check out?