Bake 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum Versus COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
Updated on October 11, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and Vitamin E
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens 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
Bake 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum 8 ingredients
COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum 38 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Bake 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum 8 ingredients
COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin 2%
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glutathione
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Alpha-Arbutin 2%, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Alcohol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Sodium Citrate, Madecassoside, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Panthenol, Arginine, Methyl Trimethicone, Allantoin, Glutathione, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Bake 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum 8 ingredients
COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Bake 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum 8 ingredients
COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum 38 ingredients
I really wanted this to work, and I gave it three attempts over a few months, but every time I used it it gave me irritation in the form of little red dots on my upper cheeks and nose (I never get acne in these areas). It may just be too strong for me.
