Skin-care brand Topicals — known for its cult classic Faded, a gel serum that helps reduce dark spots and discoloration — continues to explore the acne universe. The brand's latest product, Sealed Active Scar Primer, was created to smooth, resurface, and prime acne-prone skin before "filling in" pitted areas, effectively also filling a gap in the acne-treatment world. Most topicals are formulated for treating dark spots, discoloration, or shrinking blemishes, not concealing and treating the indented scars they leave behind.
When dealing with acne, it's no secret how difficult it can be to cover up active blemishes and the scars that linger. Some zits eventually disappear without a trace, but others leave red marks (which also fade with time). And some can create pits or indents in the skin, which can be much more of a pain to conceal — until now!
Sealed is formulated with medical-grade silicone, biomimetic peptide, and encapsulated retinol to prime skin, conceal, disguise large pores, and improve skin texture over time. It goes on clear and feels light and breathable on skin — no heaviness here. Sealed blurs imperfections and sets a strong base for makeup, while at the same time imparting skin-care benefits. According to the brand, scar-depth appearance is reduced with daily use, so sticking to a routine pays off.
“Our goal at Topicals is to create revolutionary products in categories that feel off-limits or impossible to innovate in," Topicals founder and CEO Olamide Olowe said in a statement. “I personally tested Sealed since October of last year because I have large pores, and the amazing results reminded me of the way I felt when we created Faded, which has become one of the top discoloration products.”
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The Topicals team worked with designer Tia Adeola on images for the Sealed campaign, which includes models getting ready for an evening and wearing Adeola's creations. Adeola, who served as art director for the collaboration, looked to the past for inspiration. “It was my first time taking on the role as art director for a brand other than my own. When Topicals sent the initial ask, I realized it was right up my alley, with Renaissance references that included French calligraphy, sculptured braids, and delicate ruffle gowns as seen in my fall '21 collection, which I debuted as a fashion film, Le Noir Est Beau, heavily inspired by Marie Antoinette," Adeola explained. "The entire cast was dressed in Tia Adeola featuring lace gowns with cascading ruffle trains and flowy robes.”
Sealed retails for $34 and is available via Topicals and Sephora.com; it launches in Sephora stores on August 18.
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