My math proves Topicals Faded Serum is a steal from the US even with shipping to Australia

Why I am obsessed with the Topicals hype

I have spent far too many late nights in 2026 scrolling through Korean skincare forums. While Topicals is a US-based brand, the Korean skincare enthusiast community has recently claimed the Faded Serum as their own. They love it because it uses high-potency ingredients like tranexamic acid and azelaic acid that target hyperpigmentation far more aggressively than many traditional K-beauty formulas. My own skin has been dealing with some stubborn sun spots from the Australian summer, and I knew I had to get my hands on it.

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I noticed it popping up constantly on the us trends list, and the reviews were too good to ignore. The problem? Finding it in Australia without paying a massive markup is nearly impossible. Many local resellers charge double the price, and even then, they are often out of stock. I decided to take matters into my own hands and shop directly from the source.

The Aussie price gap and my savings math

I love a good spreadsheet, so I sat down to do the math. In early 2026, a tube of Topicals Faded Serum (50ml) retails for about $38 USD at major US retailers. With the current exchange rate, that is roughly $58 AUD. When I looked at specialized import boutiques in Melbourne or Sydney, they were asking for $95 AUD or more. Even after adding the cost to estimate shipping cost, the US price was still winning.

By using comGateway, I saved nearly $30 on a single tube. If I bundle it with other skincare favorites that are hard to find here, the savings only get better. My wallet feels much brighter, just like my complexion.

How I use the BuyForMe secret for stubborn stores

I have a confession. My first attempt to buy this serum was a total failure. I tried to use my Australian debit card at a major US beauty retailer, and they cancelled my order within minutes. It turns out that many big US stores like Sephora, Nike, or Apple often block international credit cards or flat-out refuse to ship to a freight forwarder. It is one of the most annoying hurdles for us Aussies.

I found the perfect workaround with the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. Instead of me struggling with my local card, I asked them to buy the item for me. They use a US domestic card and a local billing address, which means the store treats it like a standard US order. It is the safest way to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled. If you have ever felt the heartbreak of an "Order Cancelled" email, this service is a lifesaver. I just gave them the link, and they handled the rest.

My experience with the shipping process

Once the serum arrived at my tax-free us address in Oregon, I received a notification immediately. I love that I don't have to pay US sales tax, which usually adds another 7% to 10% to the bill in other states. Since I was already ordering, I added a few more items to my stash to make the most of the shipping fee.

I followed this step-by-step guide on the website to consolidate my packages. Combining multiple items into one box reduces the overall weight and dimensions, which is a clever trick to lower costs further. Before I hit the ship button, I made sure to check the shipping rules just in case. Luckily, cream-based serums are perfectly fine to ship to Australia, though I always avoid anything aerosol-based.

What I learned about Australian import tax

We all know that Australian customs can be a bit strict. I did my homework on import tax before my package left the US. Since my total order was well under the $1,000 AUD threshold, I didn't have to worry about heavy duties. However, I always remember that the 10% GST still applies to most imported goods. Even with that small addition, my total cost was still significantly lower than buying locally.

I’ve found that being transparent with the value of the items on the customs declaration is the best way to avoid delays. My package cleared customs in Sydney within 48 hours, and it was on my doorstep in Brisbane shortly after. The speed in 2026 is actually quite impressive.

My final verdict on the international haul

My skin has never looked better, and I have the satisfaction of knowing I didn't overpay. Topicals Faded Serum lives up to the hype, especially for those of us dealing with post-summer pigmentation. By stepping outside the local market and using a reliable freight forwarder, I managed to get the real deal directly from the US.

If you are looking to try this serum, don't let the store cancellations or the distance discourage you. The math works out in our favor if you shop smart. I am already planning my next haul for some US-exclusive SPF formulas that we just can't get here yet. Staying consistent with my routine in 2026 has never been easier.