Asterwood Naturals Dark Spot Corrector Serum Versus Uncover Licorice Root Dark Spot Serum
Updated on December 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Asterwood Naturals Dark Spot Corrector Serum 17 ingredients
Uncover Licorice Root Dark Spot Serum 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Asterwood Naturals Dark Spot Corrector Serum 17 ingredients
Uncover Licorice Root Dark Spot Serum 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingKojic Acid
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Glutathione
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Arachidic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Lactate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
EmollientMalic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Squalane, Tranexamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Kojic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glutathione, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Pyruvic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidKojic acid comes from fungi and can also be from fermented foods. It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient works by blocking tyrosine, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.
Kojic Acid is antifungal and often used to treat fungal infections. Additionally, it can help fight bacteria with its antimicrobrial properties. This can help treat acne as well.
A similar ingredient is arbutin.
Learn more about Kojic AcidGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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